Golden Dock
Rumex maritimus

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

Rumex maritimus is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from June to September. 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Bare muddy ground by lakes, reservoir margins, dried up ponds and occasionally in damp grassy places, often by the coast.

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain and the Caucasus.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves - cooked. Seed - cooked. It can be ground into a powder then mixed with water and cooked like porridge.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The leaves are applied externally to burns. The seeds are aphrodisiac. They contain about 5% tannin. The plant is cooling. an infusion is used to treat bloat.

Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.

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

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

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. Plants are likely to require a moist to wet soil. Closely related to R. palustris.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.

Best place to grow: Bog Garden;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness:

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

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 fueginus Phil. Rumex persicarioides L.