French sorrel (buckler-leaf sorrel) Rumex scutatus
French sorrel (buckler-leaf sorrel) (Rumex scutatus) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Polygonaceae family, native to Mountains of Europe, western Asia and North Africa. It grows 15–45 cm (6–18 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan French sorrel (buckler-leaf sorrel) in your garden →
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French sorrel (buckler-leaf sorrel) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Mature height | 15–45 cm (6–18 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (lemony; salads, sorrel soup) |
| Native to | Mountains of Europe, western Asia and North Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇵🇱 Poland |
Is French sorrel (buckler-leaf sorrel) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Soluble oxalates: fine in normal kitchen amounts, but people with kidney stones should limit it; the ASPCA lists sorrel as toxic to cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with French sorrel (buckler-leaf sorrel)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about French sorrel (buckler-leaf sorrel)
- How far apart should I plant French sorrel (buckler-leaf sorrel)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does French sorrel (buckler-leaf sorrel) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does French sorrel (buckler-leaf sorrel) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is French sorrel (buckler-leaf sorrel)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does French sorrel (buckler-leaf sorrel) flower?
- From about June for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is French sorrel (buckler-leaf sorrel) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Soluble oxalates: fine in normal kitchen amounts, but people with kidney stones should limit it; the ASPCA lists sorrel as toxic to cats and dogs.
- What grows well with French sorrel (buckler-leaf sorrel)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for French sorrel (buckler-leaf sorrel). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Low, sprawling, blue-green shield-shaped leaves; milder than common sorrel and slower to bolt. Cut flower stems to keep leaves coming.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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