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Rumex obtusifolius - L.

Common Name Round-Leaved Dock, Bitter dock
Family Polygonaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards Plants can contain quite high levels of oxalic acid, which is what gives the leaves of many members of this genus an acid-lemon flavour. Perfectly alright in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since the oxalic acid can lock-up other nutrients in the food, especially calcium, thus causing mineral deficiencies. The oxalic acid content will be reduced if the plant is cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[238].
Habitats Waste ground, hedgerows and field margins[17]. A common weed of cultivated land on acid or calcareous soils[12].
Range Western Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, Germany and Hungary.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Rumex obtusifolius Round-Leaved Dock, Bitter dock


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rumex_obtusifolius_Sturm48.jpg
Rumex obtusifolius Round-Leaved Dock, Bitter dock
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Llez

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Rumex obtusifolius is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Acetosa oblongifolia (L.) A. Löve & D. Löve. Rumex obtusifolius L. ssp. sylvestris

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Meadow; Hedgerow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves  Seed  Stem
Edible Uses:

Young leaves - cooked[8, 22, 46, 61]. A bitter taste, especially if the older leaves are used[105, 183]. The leaves are usually cooked in at least one change of water in order to reduce the bitterness[183]. Leaves can also be dried for later use[12]. The leaves have a much milder flavour when they are first produced in early spring[K]. Young stems - cooked[257]. Seed - raw or cooked[102, 172]. The seed can also be ground into a powder and used to make a gruel or added to cereal flours when making bread etc[102]. It is rather small and fiddly to harvest.

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent  Blood purifier  Contraceptive  Salve

The leaves are often applied externally as a rustic remedy in the treatment of blisters, burns and scalds[4, 14]. The root contains tannin and is astringent and blood purifier[257]. A tea made from the roots has been used in the treatment of jaundice, whooping cough, boils and bleeding[4, 257]. An infusion of the root has been used as a wash, especially for children, to treat skin eruptions[257]. One report says that the root has been used as a contraceptive to stop menstruation[257]. The root is harvested in early spring and dried for later use[4].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye

Yellow, dark green to brown and dark grey dyes can be obtained from the roots of this plant[14, 168]. They do not need a mordant[168].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife  Dynamic accumulator

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a good soil[4]. Plants are occasionally cultivated for their edible leaves[61]. A very important food plant for the caterpillars of many species of butterfly[30]. This species is an alternative host of the turnip fly[4].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ. Division in spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
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Rumex angiocarpusCommon sheep sorrelPerennial0.3 0-0  LMHSNM101
Rumex aquaticusRed Dock, Western dockPerennial1.8 0-0  LMHSNWeWa131
Rumex arcticusArctic DockPerennial0.0 -  LMHSNWe211
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Rumex crispusCurled Dock, Curly dockPerennial0.6 4-8  LMHSNM232
Rumex daiwoosour dockPerennial1.0 -  LMHSNMWe121
Rumex dentatustoothed dockAnnual/Biennial0.6 -  LMHSNM111
Rumex gmelinii Perennial1.0 -  LMHSNMWe101
Rumex graminifoliusGrassleaf sorrelPerennial0.1 0-0  LMHSNM101
Rumex hastatus Perennial1.0 -  LMHSNDM221
Rumex hydrolapathumGreat Water DockPerennial1.8 5-9  LMHSNMWeWa111
Rumex hymenosepalusCanaigre, Canaigre dockPerennial1.0 0-0  LMHSNM221
Rumex japonicus Perennial1.0 -  LMHSNM201
Rumex longifoliusdooryard dockPerennial1.2 -  LMHSNM111
Rumex maritimusGolden DockAnnual0.5 -  LMHSNMWe121
Rumex mexicanusMexican DockPerennial1.0 -  LMHSNM121
Rumex nepalensis Perennial1.2 -  LMHSNM121
Rumex occidentalisWestern DockPerennial1.8 -  LMHSNM111
Rumex patientiaHerb PatiencePerennial1.5 5-10  LMHSNM311
Rumex paucifoliusFewleaved Dock, Alpine sheep sorrelPerennial0.0 0-0  LMHSNMWe101
Rumex pulcherFiddle DockPerennial0.5 -  LMHSNDM101
12

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Botanical References

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