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Summary
Physical Characteristics

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
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
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
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The PFAF Bookshop
Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.
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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 :
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.
Expert comment
Author
L.
Botanical References
17
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
Readers comment
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Subject : Rumex obtusifolius
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