Mexican Dock
Rumex mexicanus
Family: Polygonaceae
What it is like
Rumex mexicanus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is not frost tender. 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 and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Rich soils, occasionally brackish.
Western N. America - Newfoundland to British Columbia, south to Maine, Texas and Mexico.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves - cooked. Used as greens. Seed - cooked or ground into a powder and used for making gruel or added to cereal flours and used for making bread. The seed is rather small and fiddly to harvest.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 2
An infusion of the leaves has been taken by childless women to help them become pregnant. A strong infusion of the root has been used to help a woman become pregnant. The infusion was taken four times a day (upon rising, at midday, at sunset and upon going to bed) for a month. An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of sore throats. A decoction of the white root has been used to regulate the menstrual cycle. There is a suggestion that it was used to facilitate an abortion. A decoction of the red root has been used to treat fevers. A poultice of the crushed root has been used to treat burns. A decoction of the plant has been used to treat intestinal disorders and liver complaints. A decoction of the plant has been used externally to treat swellings and painful joints.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Hepatic: Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).
Infertility: Used in treating problems of human fertility.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Other
Rating:
The dried, crushed roots have been used as a tinder. 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.
Tinder: Used for starting fires. See also Kindling.
How it is grown
Succeeds in most soils, preferring a moist moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position. Plants succeed outdoors at Cambridge Botanical gardens and are growing well in Cornwall.
Propagating it: 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
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
R. salicifolius mexicanus. (Meisn.)C.L.Hitchc.