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Rumex_salicifolius - Weinm.

Common Name Willow Dock, Toothed willow dock, Lake willow dock, Mexican dock
Family Polygonaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
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 Coastal sand dunes to river banks, lake shores, mountain meadows and rocky slopes[60].
Range Western N. America - Alaska to California.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Rumex_salicifolius Willow Dock, Toothed willow dock, Lake willow dock, Mexican dock


Brother Alfred Brousseau @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Rumex_salicifolius Willow Dock, Toothed willow dock, Lake willow dock, Mexican dock
Sheri Hagwood @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Rumex_salicifolius is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.
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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Young leaves - cooked[172]. Used as greens[257]. Stems - cooked[257]. They can be peeled, then boiled with sugar and used like rhubarb[257]. The stems can be baked, peeled and the inner pulp eaten hot or cold[257]. Seed - cooked[257]. It can be ground into a powder and cooked with water until it has the consistency of a thick gravy[257].

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 roots are astringent, blood purifier, laxative, poultice and salve[257]. A decoction has been used in the treatment of severe constipation[257]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of stomach aches[257]. The mashed roots have been used as a salve on sore limbs and on chicken pox rash[257]. The dried, powdered root has been used as a dusting powder on sores and cuts[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Although no specific mention has been made for this species, 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

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. Plants should also be tolerant of maritime exposure. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils but prefers a deep fertile moderately heavy soil that is humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained and a position in full-sun or part shade[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Arizona (west), California (south & central), Nevada (west)), Mexico (Sonora)

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 salicifoliusWillow Dock, Toothed willow dock, Lake willow dock, Mexican dockPerennial0.6 0-0  LMHSNM121

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

Weinm.

Botanical References

60

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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