Wood-sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is a delicate perennial herbaceous plant native to the United Kingdom, belonging to the Oxalidaceae family. It is commonly found in woodlands, forests, and shady areas throughout the UK.

Wood-sorrel thrives in nutrient-rich, moist, and well-drained soils, often favouring habitats with dappled sunlight or partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loam, clay, and sandy soils, making it adaptable to different woodland environments.

Predators of wood-sorrel include herbivores such as grazing mammals and insects, which may feed on its foliage. However, its high oxalic acid content, which gives the leaves their sour taste, often provides some protection from extensive browsing.

As a perennial plant, wood-sorrel can live for several years, forming low-growing mats of clover-like leaves and producing delicate white or pink flowers in spring to early summer. It reproduces via seeds, which are dispersed by wind or animals.

Culturally, wood-sorrel has been valued for its culinary and medicinal properties. The leaves have a tart flavour and are often used fresh in salads or cooked as a potherb. Wood-sorrel has also been used in traditional medicine for its purported diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.

An interesting fact about wood-sorrel is its ability to fold its leaves in response to changes in light intensity. This phenomenon, known as nyctinasty, helps protect the plant from excessive sunlight and conserve moisture during periods of drought.