Tanner's dock, Canaigre rock
Rumex hymenosepalus

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A small herb. It grows 90-100 cm high and spreads 50-70 cm wide. The tuberous roots are rich in tannin. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are spear head shaped and 30 cm long. They have slightly wavy edges. The flowers are on upright stalks. They changed from green to pink. The seeds are brown.

There are about 200 Rumex species.

Where it is found

It grows near streambeds but also on well drained higher ground. It grows in dry soil. It grows between 60-1,800 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 6-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Britain, Central America, East Africa, Europe, Mexico, North America, Tanzania, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and eaten. They are cooked in several changes of water. They can also be dried and stored. The leaf stalks are eaten in pies like rhubarb. The seeds are sometimes cooked and eaten.

Wild dock (Rumex hymenosepalus) At several Rio Grande pueblos, dock leaves, brimming with Vitamins A and C, are cooked like spinach or toasted and saved for winter stews.

Edible parts

Leaves, root, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Canaigre, Ganagra, Wild rhubarb

Synonyms

Rumex arizonicus Britton;