Red-Veined Dock, Redvein dock, Sorrel, Bloody Dock
Rumex sanguineus

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Red. Main Bloom Time: Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Rounded.

Rumex sanguineus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) 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 August, and the seeds ripen from July 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, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay 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

Where it is found

Waste ground, grassy places and in woods, avoiding acid soils.

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

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young leaves - raw or cooked. A spinach substitute. A fairly mild flavour when young, they make a very acceptable spinach at this time and can also be added in moderation to mixed salads. The leaves soon become bitter with age.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The root is astringent. An infusion is useful in the treatment of bleeding. The root is harvested in early spring and dried for later use. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of several skin diseases.

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

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating: 1

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

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Specimen. A very easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils and preferring a moist moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position. Plants usually self-sow freely in the garden. Of some value in the flower border or kitchen garden for its ornamental edible leaves. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Edible, Not North American native, Suitable for dried flowers, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.

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

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Meadow;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-8

Growth: Medium

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. condylodes. R. nemerosus.