dock plant identification

They can be eaten either raw (when young and tender) or steamed. "The Names of Plants". That is the color of the dried flower-head in fall. The pedicels are jointed; include both … They can tolerate poor soil, drought and compaction far more than many other species. [1][5], Rumex obtusifolius is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant that grows to a height of 40 to 150 cm (16 to 59 in). [6], Rumex crispus - curly dock - is similar in appearance, but with thinner and wave-like leaves. [1] It is a plant growing readily on arable land, meadows, waste ground, roadsides, ditches, shorelines and riverbanks, woodland margins, forest clearings, and orchards. A related weed can also grow to be as much as 4 feet tall: bitter, or "broadleaf" dock (Rumex obtusifolius). Dock, Rumex crispus, appears in the garden in large spreading groups, and is characterised by coarse, battered leaves. The root grows large and deep, and it can be harvested for potent herbal medicine anytime. The flowers once mature are used in dried flower arranging. In some states of the U.S., yellow dock is considered an invasive plant. Curly dock inhabits agricultural land and other disturbed areas. For A. rumicis research, this host plant is generally targeted because it is found highly within the moth's range. [1], Leaves of the plant can be used as salad,[1] to prepare a vegetable broth or to be cooked like spinach. You will need to have all the parts of a plant and to select plants with mature fruit to identify most species of Rumex that occur in our area. It is a member of the Polygonaceae (buckwheat or dock) family. The tap root can be up to 90cm (3ft) in length. This makes curly dock one of the easier plants for beginners to identify. It is from this curly leaf margin that the weed gets the nickname of "curly dock." The distinct flower head of the plant that remains after the blooms have dried and turned brown is helpful for the identification of yellow dock. Fortunately, Rumex crispus, a home remedy for such skin irritation, often grows near stinging nettle. Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) It's not for nothing that this plant is named, "giant ragweed." This is called the ocrea, and it turns brown as the plant ages. Rumex crispus Distinguishing Features. [1] Broad-leaved dock is designated an "injurious weed" under the UK Weeds Act 1959. Ecological and morphological characteristics of the endoparasitoids of larval, "Home remedies: dock leaves for nettle stings", "List of Invasive species in the Great Lakes Great Lakes United / Union Saint-Laurent Grands Lacs", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rumex_obtusifolius&oldid=988538738, Wikipedia articles needing factual verification from September 2019, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 13 November 2020, at 20:03. But it is mainly the plant's root, rather than its leaves, that has been used in folk medicine. dock. Rumex obtusifolius, commonly known as bitter dock,[1][2] broad-leaved dock, bluntleaf dock, dock leaf or butter dock, is a perennial plant in the family Polygonaceae. [1] Rumex was Pliny's name for sorrel,[5] while obtusifolius means 'obtuse-leaved' (obtuse + foliage). [1], The name, Rumex obtusifolius, was assigned by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century, and has remained unchanged, although there are numerous subspecies. If you have a serious amount of them outcompeting other plant species, stop ploughing and using heavy agricultural machinery on the land because it's that that's causing the dock overgrowth! David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Botanical Classification for Yellow Dock Plants, Home Remedy Against Rash From Stinging Nettles, Common Backyard Plants That Are Poisonous to Dogs. [12], Various parasites and predators of R. obtusifolius include 32 insect species and 12 fungi species. In fact, the common name, "yellow dock" refers to the yellowish color often found inside the root, when it is sliced open. It is a culinary and pot herb as well as an apothecary's medicinal. It is in the same genus as another weed commonly found in North America, sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella). It is easy to identify, and the reasons for bothering to identify it include that it is: Plant taxonomy classifies yellow dock as Rumex crispus. [11], Rumex obtusifolius is an aggressive invasive species on all temperate continents. [citation needed], Rumex obtusifolius is widely distributed throughout the world. R. crispusas the name suggests has wavy, curled leaf edges with wedge-shaped leaves. [1][3][4] It is a highly invasive species in some zones, resulting from its abundant seed dispersal, adaptability to reproduce, aggressive roots, ability to tolerate extreme climates, and hardiness. & Nam, S.-H., 2006. Some Rumex species that are widespread in Canada show regional abundance in certain provinces; R. pseudonatronatus is most commonly found in Alberta and Saskatchewan, R. longi… Native plants have been photographed from the province's Prairie, Cypress Upland, Parkland, and Boreal eco-regions. Image courtesy of Matthew Naedel. It is a highly invasive species in some zones, resulting from its abundant seed dispersal, adaptability to reproduce, aggressive roots, ability to tolerate extreme climates, and hardiness. Yellow dock flowers are green and sometimes a touch of red. It usually requires the presence of the perianth for species identification but this is usually removed during processing in commercial grain lots. [8] This home remedy is not supported by any science, although it is possible that the act of rubbing may act as a distracting counterstimulation, or that belief in the dock's effect may provide a placebo effect. Curly dock, a perennial broadleaf plant, usually grows in wet areas and is frequently associated with overwatering or standing water in low areas. Plant taxonomy classifies yellow dock as Rumex crispus. A tea prepared from the root was thought to cure boils. Image courtesy of the Jack Harper slide collection. Powderham Castle … This plant has a long taproot that enables it survive long drought periods and out competes other vegetation. The leaves of most dock plants are long and narrow, and the plants are most easily identified by their distinctive seed stalks. Broadleaf Dock. In the spring, the greens are edible and in the fall the plant produces buckwheat like grain that can be ground into wild foraged flour. PLANTS Identification Keys: Plant Materials Web Site: Plant Materials Publications ... hybrid dock Rumex albescens Oahu dock Rumex ×alexidis [maritimus ... American wildlife and plants: A guide to wildlife food habits. ---Description--- It is a large and spreading plant, its stout stems 2 to 3 feet high, the leaves 6 to 12 inches long, with rather slender foot-stalks, the margins waved and the end or apex of the leaf rounded. [1] It has been an invasive species of the Great Lakes region of North America where it was first sighted in 1840. The condition of the ocrea can be a good indicator of how tender and tasty that dock plant is. The plant's dark green leaves will further help you identify it when you find it. Whereas the subject of this article has basal leaves shaped like swords, the basal leaves of its relative are shaped more like shields. New York. Just roll a leaf of yellow dock between your thumb and forefinger to crush it, then doctor your wound with the juicy pulp left over, and the burning will subside. Look, in particular, for the sword-like shape and the curled edges of the foliage. Several plant varieties produce Psyllium, but plantain is a rich source of the compound and the easiest to find and identify in most regions. Even the folks over at the United States Food and Drug Administration are willing to admit the value of Psyllium – something they rarely do when referencing either wild or cultivated herbs. Flowers. Butter Dock. Dover Publications. Stems become stiff and woody as the plant matures. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Bitter dock — also called broad-leaved dock — has leaves which are fairly “flat” across the surface. [citation needed] Dried seeds are used as a spice. Other dock species common in New Zealand: Curled dock (Rumex crispus) Similar to broad-leaved dock except for its leaves which are narrower, with crinkled edges, leaves tapered towards tip and base. Its toxicity is due to its oxalic acid content. Broadleaf Dock. The docks and sorrels, genus Rumex, are a genus of about 200 species of annual, biennial, and perennial herbs in the buckwheat family, Polygonaceae. It is native to Europe, but is found on all temperate continents. 2004. The yellowish root notwithstanding, the signature color of Rumex crispus, in the eyes of many students of wild plants, is brown. They make you think of coffee grounds, which is appropriate since people have roasted this plant's seeds for use as a coffee substitute in the past. The leaves are fairly thick and the stems can get a tinge of red, especially in cold weather. The stem leaves are alternate and are narrowly ovate–lanceolate. Members of this genus are very common perennial herbs with a native almost worldwide distribution, and introduced species growing in the few places where the genus is not native. They contain oxalic acid which can be hazardous if consumed in large quantities. The flowers are small, green and numerous, arranged in whorled spikes at the ends of the stem. This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. Many weeds are obscure plants that are easy to miss, but yellow dock is a weed that stands out. Vibrant Green Backlit Dock Leaves (Rumex obtusifolius L.) Growing by a Field. It is native to Europe, but is found on all temperate continents. It's fairly easy to identify, and grows abundantly throughout all of non-Arctic North America. But it is easy to tell the two apart: True to its name, the broadleaf type has bottom, or "basal" leaves that are very wide (4 inches across, versus 1 inch across for yellow dock plants). Flower spikes have numerous clusters of reddish-brown flowers. Regrowth from the rosette usually takes place in spring. Plants may be poisonous to livestock when ingested in quantity. [1] The edges of the leaves are slightly "crisped" or wavy, the upper surface is hairless and the under surface may be papillose. The seed stalks start out green but quickly turn to … It is found throughout California up to an elevation of 8200 feet (2500 m). Broad-leaved dock is a tall plant with very large, wavy-edged, oblong leaves that have red stems on their undersides. Cho, Y., Kwon, O. It is considered a broadleaf, perennial "weed," "wildflower," or "herb," depending on your perspective. The seeds produced are dry and reddish brown. Leaves can be used as a vegetable; roots and seeds may be used for herbal or medicinal purposes This curious plant belongs to the buckwheat family, which is identified by the nodes that punctuate the plants' stems (an even clearer example being those found on Japanese knotweed). Image courtesy of Matthew Naedel. Another aid in identifying this weed is its height. It is 4 mm long; outer whorl of 3 green sepals and... Leaves. Blooming occurs in clusters in the form of multiple, long, skinny flower stalks at the top of the plant. It’s unfortunate that peopl In Romania, the leaves are sometimes used as an alternative to other plants in the making of sarmale. Bloody dock is an attractive plant with a network of brightly colored veins on its wide, lance-shaped leaves. Bitter dock (Rumex obtusifolius) Curly dock — also called curled dock — has leaves with lots of “ruffles” across the leaf and along the edges. This curious plant belongs to the buckwheat family, which is identified by the nodes that punctuate the plants' stems (an even clearer example being those found on Japanese knotweed). [1] The leaves of this plant can grow to about 30 cm (12 in) in length and 15 centimetres (5.9 in) wide. This plant blooms June through September. If you are going to try to dig it out, you must dig deep, so as to remove the whole root; otherwise, as a perennial weed, the plant will re-emerge. This rosette-forming plant is easily grown as an annual or perennial in sun to partial shade and can even be used in a water garden. The inflorescence consists of large clusters of racemes which contain small greenish flowers that change to red as they mature. Cambridge University Press. R. obtusifoliushas long, broad, oval- to lance-shaped leaves with small greenish flowers that turn red as they mature. Indigenous to Europe, Rumex crispus has become naturalized across much of the world. The bottom leaves can be quite long, ranging from 1/2 foot to 1 foot in length. Each page contains identification information, which parts are edible and how to prepare them for safe consumption. Wild Dock Wild Onions Wild Rice Wild Wheat Wood Ear Mushroom Wood Sorrel Yaupon. Dock plants are persistent perennials, which means you can forage it throughout the year. Most species are common and widespread. In more detail, the calyx of curly dock has smooth margins while the calyx of broad-leaved dock has horned margins. The flowers start out a much less distinctive light-greenish color (they can have a reddish tinge, too). Exotic species include Curled Dock (R. crispus), Clustered Dock (R. conglomeratus), Fiddle Dock (R. pulcher) and Broad-leaf Dock (R. obtusifolius). Broad-leaved dock can be differentiated from other genus Rumex plants by its broad, blunt leaves. The first is the look of the plant’s lower leaves. Broadleaf Dock. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Genus Rumex falls into the Polygonaceae. Wild dock species are native all around the world. Curly dock ( Rumex crispus , also called yellow dock) is one of those plants that is easily overlooked. Gledhill, David (2008). Identification difficulty level: novice Curly dock, Latin name: Rumex crispus, is an excellent wild plant to know. Native species include Slender Dock (Rumex brownii), Wiry Dock (R. dumosus), Mud Dock (R. bidens) and Glistening Dock (R. crystallinus). Click on a place name to get a complete noxious weed list for that location, or click here for a composite list of all Federal and State Noxious Weeds . It spreads via seed produced by tiny brownish-green flowers, which appear in abundance in summer and are loved by seed-eating birds. It provides food for at least 6-9 months, and year-round in some climates. This alternate common name is also sometimes given as "curled dock"; the species name, crispus is Latin for "curly.". It doesn’t have a showy flower and the leaves can look kind of generic. Yellow dock has, in fact, been used medicinally (for a number of ailments) for ages, which is why many prefer to refer to it as an "herb." [1][6] Seedlings can be identified by the oval leaves with red stems and rolled leaves sprouting from the center of the plant. Most of these species are very difficult to identify by the achene. Quinlan, S.E., and S. Cuccarese. Small, greenish white flowers appear on tall spikes. Below is a list of wild edible plants that you can use when living off the land. Once you are able to use this feature to identify it as yellow dock, you will never forget this plant. It can … [9], In George Eliot's Adam Bede, set in the early 19th century, broad dock leaves were used to wrap farmhouse butter. Rumex crispus produces a long taproot. The leaves of Asiatic dock (R. confertus) are just as wide, if not wider. For some species in the Full Key you will need to measure the length of the pedicel. It is considered a broadleaf, perennial "weed," "wildflower," or "herb," depending on your perspective. If you catch dock too late, it will send up a flower stalk that can grow to 3 feet high. [7], In the United Kingdom, the plant is often found growing near stinging nettles and there is a widely held belief that the underside of the dock leaf, squeezed to extract a little juice, can be rubbed on the skin to counteract the itching caused by brushing against a nettle plant. The plant reaches as much as 4 feet tall at maturity. [1], Species of flowering plant in the family Polygonaceae. If your skin has ever brushed up against stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) while you were working in the garden, you know about the burning sensation caused by their spines, followed by an itchy rash. One of the best identification features for docks is a small, thin sheath that covers the base of each dock leaf. The perianth-segments are in two whorls of three. Rumex obtusifolius, commonly known as bitter dock, broad-leaved dock, bluntleaf dock, dock leaf or butter dock, is a perennial plant in the family Polygonaceae. One of the best survival greens is wild dock. This website has photos and descriptions of native plants found in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. [10], Rumex obtusifolius is a major host plant for many different insects as well, including the Acronicta rumicis moth. Find out … Segments in the outer whorl are small and spreading while the inner whorl forms fruit valves, which are widely ovately-triangular. Broad-leaved dock ( Rumex obtusifolius) is a long lived perennial with a basal rosette of long-stalked, smooth ovate-oblong leaves, stems 80cm-1m (32in-3¼ft) high and the distinctive seedheads on spikes that persist into winter. The calyx of the ripe fruit is helpful (and often necessary) to identify the plant. Bitter dock is a perennial herbaceous plant that is found in many countries. For the same reason, while the leaves are edible, it is best to avoid eating them in large quantities. Common names are from state and federal lists. Ditches, roadsides, wetlands, pastures, agronomic crop fields (especially those in perennial crops like alfalfa), orchards, disturbed, unmanaged sites, and disturbed m… It often tolerates poor, disturbed soils and is frequently found along roadsides, although it prefers to grow in rich, loamy soils in full sun and with adequate water. Despite its medicinal qualities, Rumex crispus is listed as a plant poisonous to dogs by the ASPCA. Aptly named bloody dock for its distinctive red veins, this herbaceous plant originates in the Mediterranean. 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