Silver Shield French Sorrel
Rumex scutatus 'Silver Shield'
Silver Shield French Sorrel (Rumex scutatus 'Silver Shield') is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 6 to 10 in tall and 10 to 14 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Edible silver-leaved sorrel with lemony tangy flavor; ornamental and culinary.
Plant Select®low to medium water6 to 10 in tall and 10 to 14 in wideXeric / water-wiseToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Oleg Kosterin, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: (c) zebedeugalinha, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: Thomas Mathis, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 4: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 5: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4 to 8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5 to 8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 6 to 10 in tall and 10 to 14 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~10 to 14 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early summer
- Bloom color
- green
- Bloom length
- Fleeting
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
Planting & establishment
Deep water every 1 to 2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Silver Shield French Sorrel good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Silver Shield French Sorrel is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Silver Shield French Sorrel?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- How big does Silver Shield French Sorrel get?
- It matures to about 6 to 10 in tall and 10 to 14 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Silver Shield French Sorrel?
- Space Silver Shield French Sorrel about 10 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 14 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Silver Shield French Sorrel hardy on the Front Range?
- Silver Shield French Sorrel is hardy in USDA 4 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Silver Shield French Sorrel need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Silver Shield French Sorrel safe for dogs?
- No. Silver Shield French Sorrel is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- How long does Silver Shield French Sorrel bloom?
- Silver Shield French Sorrel has a brief, showy bloom, pair it with later bloomers for continuous color on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
