Sheep sorrel is a perennial plant that is in the buckwheat family. It reproduces by seed and by spreading horizontal roots. It is well recognized within the alternative cancer treatment community as one of the ingredients in Essiac tea.
The leaves have a lemony, tangy, or nicely tart flavour. Leaves (in small quantities) can be eaten raw or cooked; used as thickeners in soups, dried, and ground into a powder to use flour or make into noodles. Seeds can be eaten raw or cooked.