The alternate leaves of this plant are divided into three heart-shaped leaflets (a typical trait of other species of Oxalis) that can grow up to 2 cm wide.

O. stricta generally requires dry or moist, alkaline soils, preferring sandy and loamy dirt to grow in.

However, it should only be eaten in small quantities, since oxalic acid is an antinutrient and can inhibit the body's absorption supply of calcium.

The leaves can be used to make a flavored drink that is similar in taste to lemonade,[5] and the whole plant can be brewed as herbal tea that has an aroma somewhat like that of cooked green beans.

Oxalis stricta contains large amounts of vitamin C.[citation needed] An orange dye can be obtained by boiling the whole plant.