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Rumex_hydrolapathum - Huds.

Common Name Great Water Dock
Family Polygonaceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
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 Near ponds and streams, also in shallow water, avoiding acid conditions[17].
Range Western Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, Italy and S. Russia.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Wet Soil Water Plants Semi-shade Full sun
Rumex_hydrolapathum Great Water Dock


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rumex_hydrolapathum_Sturm53.jpg
Rumex_hydrolapathum Great Water Dock

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Rumex_hydrolapathum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Young leaves - cooked[2, 105, 183]. Seed - raw or cooked. It can be ground into a powder and used as a flour[102]. The seed is small and rather 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.


The root is antiscorbutic and strongly astringent[4]. It is harvested in early spring and dried for later use[4]. The green leaves are said to be an excellent application for ulcers of the eyes[4].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

The roots contain tannin. In cultivated plants, those grown on dry land contained 6 - 8% tannin whilst those grown in water contained 12.4 - 21.6%[223]. The dried and powdered root makes a good tooth cleaner[4]. Dark green to brown and dark grey dyes can be obtained from the roots of many species in this genus, They do not need a mordant[168].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a moist or wet soil, also succeeding in shallow water. Avoids acid conditions in the wild. A very important food plant for the caterpillars of many species of butterfly[30].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ. Division in spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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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
Rumex hydrolapathumGreat Water DockPerennial1.8 5-9  LMHSNMWeWa111

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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Huds.

Botanical References

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Links / References

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Readers comment

Julian Dowding   Sun May 21 2006

Great and stately plant. As a foodplant for the Large Copper butterfly which is on the verge of extinction.Habitat management for this butterfly neceearily involves ensuring the survival of this plant.

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