toothed dock
Rumex dentatus

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

Rumex dentatus is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen 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): 0.6

Where it is found

Deep situations, 1700 - 2200 metres in Kashmir. Moist valleys and mountain slopes from sea level to 2500 metres in China.

S. Europe to E. Asia and Africa. An uncommon casual in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Tender young leaves - cooked as a vegetable.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The root is used as an astringent application in the treatment of cutaneous disorders.

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

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 usually annual, but, rarely, they can be biennial. This is an extremely variable species represented in N. Africa, Asia, and Europe by several quite distinct races, recognized taxonomically mostly as subspecies. It is closely related to R. pulcher.

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.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Biennial

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 dentatus L. ssp. klotzschianus (Meisn.) Rech. f.