dooryard dock
Rumex longifolius

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

Rumex longifolius is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is in flower from June to July. 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.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

By rivers, in ditches and in damp grassy places.

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to the Pyrenees, Caucasus and C. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves - cooked. Harvested as they appear through the ground, they are eaten as a vegetable for their antiscorbutic action. Seed - ground into a powder and used in gruel or added to cereal flours when making bread etc.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The whole plant, but especially the root, is alterative, astringent, cholagogue, deobstruent, stomachic and tonic.

Alterative: Causes a gradual beneficial change in the body, usually through improved nutrition and elimination, without having any marked specific action.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Cholagogue: Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.

Deobstruent: Clears obstructions from the natural ducts of the body.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating: 1

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.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

How it is grown

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.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Meadow; Bog Garden;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

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.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Rumex aquaticus. non L. Rumex domesticus.