Andy's Yukon Wildflowers
Mountain Sorrel

Oxyria digyna

Also known as: Alpine mountain-sorrel. Habitat: Alpine and tundra scree, along streams and crevices, but usually where moisture occurs. Interest: Mountain Sorrel occurs near melting snow pack in rocky areas.  The plant has greenish flowers that change into reddish-brown seed pods.  The leaves are kidney-shaped, somewhat succulent-like and often have a red tinge.  The scientific name is derived from the Greek words "Oxys", for "sour", and "aria", for "possession".  Loosely translated, the meaning is "possessing sourness", which refers to the sour taste of the leaves.  "Digyna" is the Greek word for "two women", which refers to "two carpels". Location: Sugarloaf Mountain, Carcross, Yukon. Date: July 3, 2007

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URL: http://www.ontariowildflower.com/yukon_mountain_sorrel_mt_montana.htm
© 2008 Andy Fyon
Sudbury, Ontario