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 6–10 in tall and 10–14 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 water6–10 in tall and 10–14 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic 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 4–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 6–10 in tall and 10–14 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~10–14 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
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
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 1–2 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 6–10 in tall and 10–14 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 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–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.
- Is Silver Shield French Sorrel deer-resistant?
- Silver Shield French Sorrel is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- 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.
