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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Rumex_scutatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 4, 12, 14, 27, 33]. A delicious lemon-like flavour[183], most people find them overpowering if used in quantity, but they make a delightful addition to the salad bowl and can also be used as a pot-herb[K]. This species has less acid leaves and so is often preferred to sorrel (R, acetosa)[238]. The leaves should be used sparingly due to the oxalic acid content[4].

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 leaves are antiscorbutic, astringent, diuretic, laxative and refrigerant[4, 238]. They are rarely used as a specifically medicinal plant.

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

The cultivar 'Silver Shield' makes a good, if rampant, ground cover beside paths and at the front of borders[238]. 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]. A dynamic accumulator gathering minerals or nutrients from the soil and storing them in a more bioavailable form - used as fertilizer or to improve mulch.

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

A very easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils but preferring a moist moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position[200]. Prefers a rather dry soil[4, 27]. Established plants are drought tolerant[200]. Plants often self-sow freely in the garden[K]. Buckler-leafed sorrel is occasionally cultivated for its edible leaves[61, 105]. There are some named varieties that have been selected for their ornamental value[238]. A food plant for the caterpillars of many species of butterfly[30]. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread [1-2]. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is fleshy. Thick or swollen - fibrous or tap root [2-1].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is rapid, the seedlings can be pricked out into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and are planted out in early summer[K]. It should also be possible to sow the seed in situ in mid spring[K]. Division in spring. Division is easy at any time in the growing season, though the plants establish better in the spring[K]. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iraq, Turkey,Iran. EUROPE: Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Poland (south), Slovakia, Ukraine (w. & Krym), Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Croatia, Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, France (incl. Corsica),

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 itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Rumex scutatus	Buckler-Leaved Sorrel, French sorrel	Perennial	0.6	5-9	M	LMH	SN	M	4	1	2

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.

Rumex_scutatus - L.