How to Manage Pests
Identification: Weed Photo Gallery
Bermuda buttercup (Buttercup oxalis)
Scientific name: Oxalis pes-caprae (Woodsorrel Family: Oxalidaceae)
Bermuda buttercup (buttercup oxalis), a low growing perennial broadleaf plant with shamrocklike leaves, is found throughout California up to 8200 feet (2500 m). It inhabits agricultural land and other disturbed areas and is a common weed in artichoke fields on the Central Coast and in irrigated landscapes. It is related to, and closely resembles, creeping woodsorrel, Oxalis corniculata. Both species contain variable levels of oxalate compounds that can cause death in livestock when consumed in large quantity. They are attractive but are a nuisance when they spread into gardens or when they infest shrubs. Sometimes Bermuda buttercup is grown as an ornamental.
Orchards, vineyards, crop fields, grassland, yards, gardens, turf, landscaped areas, and urban areas.
Seedlings are not encountered in California.
A loose basal rosette of leaves up to about 14 inches (35 cm) tall grows from the bulb. It has fully subdivided (compound) leaves, each consisting of three heart-shaped leaflets that resemble clover leaves. Leaves are hairless to sparsely hairy, green, often with brown or purplish spots. Stems are located mostly below ground. It can be distinguished from creeping woodsorrel by its more upright growth, larger leaves and flowers, greater number of flowers, and lack of seed capsule.
Flowers bloom from November through April. Flowers cluster on the ends of slender leafless stalks and there are less than 20 flowers per cluster. Each flower has 5 bright yellow petals.
Reproduces by bulbs and bulbets. Cultivation, soil movement, planting, and the disposal of nursery soil and garden waste disperse bulbs and bulbets.
Related species/Similar looking plants