Round-Leaved Dock, Bitter dock
Rumex obtusifolius
Family: Polygonaceae
What it is like
Rumex obtusifolius is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. 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 and can grow in very acid and very 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, hedgerows and field margins. A common weed of cultivated land on acid or calcareous soils.
Western Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, Germany and Hungary.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves - cooked. A bitter taste, especially if the older leaves are used. The leaves are usually cooked in at least one change of water in order to reduce the bitterness. Leaves can also be dried for later use. The leaves have a much milder flavour when they are first produced in early spring. Young stems - cooked. Seed - raw or cooked. The seed can also be ground into a powder and used to make a gruel or added to cereal flours when making bread etc. It is rather small and fiddly to harvest.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The leaves are often applied externally as a rustic remedy in the treatment of blisters, burns and scalds. The root contains tannin and is astringent and blood purifier. A tea made from the roots has been used in the treatment of jaundice, whooping cough, boils and bleeding. An infusion of the root has been used as a wash, especially for children, to treat skin eruptions. One report says that the root has been used as a contraceptive to stop menstruation. The root is harvested in early spring and dried for later use.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Blood purifier: Purifies the blood.
Contraceptive: Prevents fertilization occurring in females.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Other
Rating: 3
Yellow, dark green to brown and dark grey dyes can be obtained from the roots of this plant. They do not need a mordant.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Dynamic accumulator: Plants that gather minerals or nutrients from the soil and store them in a more bioavailable form and in high concentration in their tissues. Used as fertilizer or to improve mulch.
How it is grown
Requires a good soil. Plants are occasionally cultivated for their edible leaves. A very important food plant for the caterpillars of many species of butterfly. This species is an alternative host of the turnip fly.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Meadow; Hedgerow;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
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
Acetosa oblongifolia (L.) A. Löve & D. Löve. Rumex obtusifolius L. ssp. sylvestris