Spice up your garden and your salad with Silver Shield French sorrel

Rumex scutatus ‘Silver Shield’ is an attractive perennial groundcover that earns its place in the garden by being both ornamental and edible. Forming a dense, spreading mat of shiny, silver, shield-shaped leaves, it brings subtle yet eye-catching brightness to shady areas where many plants fade into the background. The foliage is tender in texture, with a naturally rounded habit, staying low at about six inches tall while spreading to roughly two feet wide—an excellent living carpet.

Easy to grow and notably tough, this plant tolerates some drought and a bit of neglect once established, though it looks best with even moisture. It performs well in sun to mostly shade and benefits from afternoon shade in hotter climates. Adaptable to most soils, it thrives in rich, well-drained conditions. It pairs especially well with other dry-shade plants such as mountain lover (Paxistima canbyi), oxlip primrose (Primula elatior), and Sandia coralbells (Heuchera pulchella).

Flowering occurs in June, but the blooms are inconspicuous. Cut plants to the ground after foliage dies back in fall to refresh growth for the following year.

Beyond its ornamental value, the leaves are edible and pleasantly sour due to naturally occurring oxalic acid, lending a bright, tangy flavor when used sparingly.

Combining beauty, resilience, and utility, this is a standout groundcover for gardeners seeking an attractive and tasty perennial that truly shines in dry shade.

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Thanks to Sonya Anderson of Denver Botanic Gardens for this plant story!