Plant that looks like clover is likely oxalis

Q: Last year, we paved part of the patio with 18-inch square pavers. It looks great and is remarkably level to two amateurs having done all the work. It’s just now we have this creeping weed that is growing up in the ½-inch gap we created between the pavers. The leaves are just like a three-leaf clover, green and sometimes offer sweet five-petaled bright yellow flowers, very pretty but the leaves are attached to a creeping red stem. We don’t want it to take over, so how should we get rid of it? — H.C., Albuquerque

A: In my “Western Garden Book,” under the plant botanical name of Oxalis you’ll find descriptions of all sorts of clover looking, mostly houseplants listed. These are the nifty plants you’ll find at nurseries and grocery stores around St. Patrick’s Day. They aren’t clover, but sure do mimic it.

In the definitions, it lists Oxalis corniculata, teaching that this perennial species should be considered as an aggressive weed. I have it in my patio area and it is a constant battle to keep it under control. I should be far more consistent about keeping it under control, but I tolerate it. There are times that I get most of it pulled and tugged out but, once you break the above ground part of the plant off, as long as there is still root and/or stem left behind, it will come back. Tough little buggers for sure.

I make a point of at least plucking those happy wee yellow flowers as I see them, so the Oxalis won’t set seed. Let the flowers finish blooming and you’ll have even more eventually. The seed is so very tiny. The wind or even a stout breeze can blow it hither and yon easily. How I’ve been able to keep it at bay is to make sure that when I am hunting it, I aim to get as much of the whole plant as possible. I have a specific kitchen knife that I got from a thrift store that is so sturdy that I am able to work it between my pavers and wiggle a lot of the below ground growth up without having to dislodge the pavers.

You could spray a weed and grass killer on actively growing Oxalis. Be ridiculously specific about where and when you spray so nothing you value growing in the yard is damaged. Just be sure that once the offenders have wilted and/or died, you do your best to tidy them up and pitch them.

Know that any of the Oxalis left in the ground as winter comes looks really shaggy, so keeping them plucked and pitched is a good thing. If you keep hunting them you will surely be able to keep them at bay and maybe even win the not really clover war.

Happy Diggin’ In!

Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send garden-related questions to Digging In, Albuquerque Journal, 7777 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87109, or to features@abqjournal.com.