In the UK the two common species that you are likely to have come across are, Broad Leaved Dock ( Rumex obtusifolius ), and Curled Dock ( Rumex crispus ), which in the US is called Yellow Dock. If this plant is seeding, a close examination will show that the seeds have sharp points (or spines) on the edges of its fruit's wings. F. IV. To support our efforts please browse our store (books with medicinal info, etc.). The stalks are slender and upright with reddish ridges. It is hardy to zone (UK) 5 and is not frost tender. Basal rosette leaves and leafy stems develop from the crown. There are at least 11 similar Rumex species in the ... invasive species control, edible plants, etc. Bitter dock's central vein of each basal leaf inflorescence is often tinted red, and a reticulated network of fine secondary veins is seen across the upper surface. Over the taproot, adult plants develop a fleshy underground stem, 3-5 cm long, with a branched crown. Latin name: Rumex obtusifolius Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family) Medicinal use of Round-Leaved Dock: The leaves are often applied externally as a rustic remedy in the treatment of blisters, burns and scalds. Flowers measure about 3 to 6 mm (1/4”) long, and are light green to pinkish. R. hymenosepalus (wild rhubarb) is common in the desert in the American Southwest. View photos of the edible and medicinal plant Rumex obtusifolius (Broad leaved dock). Rumex species are important edible and medicinal plants used in Armenian traditional medicine. Other edible docks include R. occidentalis (western dock), R. longifolius (yard dock), and R. stenphyllus (field dock). In spring, before they become old, blotched, dull, chewed full of holes and bitter withal, the leaves are edible. The foliage of mature dock plants may be from one to three feet tall, depending on growing conditions, but in early spring, when it's at its most delicious, the smaller plants may be hard to spot. R. hymenosepalus (wild rhubarb) is common in the desert in the American Southwest. They may not even have fully unfurled, and they will be very mucilaginous. Like yellow dock, the seed can also be ground into a powder and used in baking although it is more time consuming to harvest. There are many edible docks, but curly dock and broad-leaved dock are the most common in the USA and Europe. For those who need to know precisely and with absolute certainty which plant they're dealing with, use the botanical Latin name. Aims: The purpose of this study was to measure antioxidant enzyme (polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase) activities of crude extract of Rumex obtusifolius L. in order to gain insight about this plant’s antioxidant potential. Some Rumex species such as sorrel are edible as baby leaf salad greens. Rumex hastatulus, or Heartwing Sorrel, is an annual or short-lived perennial herb-like plant, erect, weedy, with leaves that are mainly basal, alternate, and simple. In this 2 part video series Frank Cook discusses the many uses of edible Dock (Rumex spp.) Yellow Dock. Young leaves are edible fresh or cooked. This weed may be confused with Broadleaf Dock (Rumex obtusifolius). Seeds can be found for sale online. 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 tap root can be up to 90cm (3ft) in length. Rumex obtusifolius on Wikipedia. Ingredients. Botanical Description. It is hardy to zone (UK) 5. Flowers bloom (in the northern hemisphere) anywhere from June to October and the seeds ripen from July to October. These leaves do have a bitter taste, especially the older they become. Everything You Have Always Wanted to Know About Dock. This weed may be confused with Broadleaf Dock (Rumex obtusifolius). & Koch is a rare, partially sterile, hybrid dock known from MA, ME, NH, RI, VT. Its sterility manifests as fruiting perianths of different shapes and sizes on the same plant. We are not health professionals, medical doctors, nor are we nutritionists. These plant species have been used in folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases and ailments, including hypertension, inflammation, and bacterial infections [11, 12]. They are similar in appearance to the basal leaves, although somewhat shorter in length and more narrow and their petioles are shorter. While docks may be happiest and tastiest when they grow with plenty of moisture, the taproot indicates they are drought-tolerant plants. Known Hazards Plants can contain quite high levels of oxalic acid, which is what gives the leaves of many … The sour flavor of dock comes from oxalic acid, which, when consumed in large quantities, may cause kidney stones. That’s dock, Rumex crispus the curly leaved variety and Rumex obtusifolius, the broad leaved variety, both adding to the ruin of my not-very-well-kept lawn.It’s infuriatingly well-constructed making it hard to uproot, and has so many seeds per plant that your chances of eradicating it are slim to impossible. Other common edible rumex species include: Rumex obtusifolius – Bitter Dock or Broad Leaf Dock, as the name suggests, this type is generally quite bitter and has large broad leaves. While we strive to be 100% accurate, it is solely up to the reader to ensure proper plant identification. Description Top of page R. obtusifolius is an erect perennial herb, 40-150 cm tall, with a stout, branched taproot, extending to a depth of 150 cm in soils that allow deep root penetration. Rumex obtusifolius used to be called butter dock because its large leaves were used to wrap and conserve butter. It is hardy to zone (UK) 5. Edible parts of some nominally “edible” plants require special preparation to be edible. Makes about 35 mini puddings or one clonker. Rumex obtusifolius on the New England Wildflower Society’s GoBotany site. The root contains tannin and is astringent and blood purifier. Miscellaneous: Large genus of 200 species containing both useful plants grown for their edible leaves in soups and sauces (e.g., Common Sorrel: Rumex acetosa), and to wrap butter (Butter Dock: (Rumex obtusifolius) and all out weeds such as Dock. Rumex obtusifolius on Plants for a Future, a resource and information centre for edible and otherwise useful plants Rumex Acetosella is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. They can also be dried for later use. Shortly after this plant has been trampled or mowed, it sends up new shoots and frequent rejuvenation may even result. Pick two to six youngest of the leaves at the center of each clump. Flowers appear as branching clusters at the top of the plant, each branch with numerous whorls of 10 to 25 slender-stalked flowers. Dock edible parts/uses: The leaves of dock plants are edible. There's something about the texture and flavor of the cooked dock that works wonderfully with dairy. Patience dock may be found as a feral plant. Rumex Rumex Species R. obtusifolius - R. obtusifolius is a rosette-forming, deciduous perennial with large, oval, edible, mid-green leaves and, from early summer to early autumn, erect, leafy stems bearing large clusters of racemes of small, green flowers turning red when mature. Consider chopping the petioles into small pieces, and cooking them as a substitute for rhubarb or Japanese knotweed. It is hardy to zone (UK) 5. Broad-Leaved Dock – Rumex obtusifolius. Bitter dock is a perennial herbaceous plant that is found in many countries. On the other hand, Rumex plants accumulate soluble oxalate, a toxic metabolite which causes serious diseases such as renal syndrome. Appearance. It was also introduced to many areas of Central America, South America, Australia (including Tasmania), and New Zealand. Dock (Rumex spp.) Weeds take valuable space, water, sunlight and nutrients that may otherwise be accessible to important crops, in our case turf grasses. If a plant with tasty foliage but tough midribs is found, remove the midrib from the leaf before cooking. Basal leaves grow up to 30 cm (1') long and 10 cm (4") across. It is in flower from Jun to October, and the seeds ripen from Jul to October. Though dock’s large taproots look appetizing, they’re quite bitter. Once the cold temperatures have ended, bitter dock quickly produces new leaves. The stalks are round, slightly ribbed, and glabrous; they often have prominent longitudinal veins that are tinted red. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Rumex obtusifolius is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.00 metres tall. Miscellaneous: Large genus of 200 species containing both useful plants grown for their edible leaves in soups and sauces (e.g., Common Sorrel: Rumex acetosa), and to wrap butter (Butter Dock: (Rumex obtusifolius) and all out weeds such as Dock. Each stalk terminates in a panicle of whorled racemes up to 30 cm (1') in length. 400g pearl barley; 8 eggs; Half a carrier bag of wild leeks or 2 large cultivated leeks; About half a carrier bag of washed dock and dandelion leaves – or any other spring green with a reasonably strong flavour such as nettle, plantain, ground elder, hogweed shoots, watercress etc. 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. Rumex obtusifolius bitter dock This plant and the related entity italicized and indented above can be weedy or invasive according to the authoritative sources noted below.This plant may be known by one or more common names in different places, and some are listed above. Additionally, larger petioles may be tough but pleasantly sour. Rumex obtusifolius is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). R. crispusas the name suggests has wavy, curled leaf edges with wedge-shaped leaves. It is up to the reader to verify nutritional information and health benefits with qualified professionals for all edible plants listed in this web site. Rumex crispus × Rumex obtusifolius → Rumex ×‌pratensis Mert. Leaves, flowers, and seeds of this plant are edible. Rumex obtusifolius on the University of Massachusetts Landscape, Nursery & Urban Forestry Program. Though dock’s large taproots look appetizing, they’re quite bitter. Rumex obtusifolius on Wikipedia. Some people will cook leaves in at least one change of water in order to reduce the bitterness. north-east United States (zones 4-7), but do grow elsewhere. hymenosepalus (wild rhubarb) is common in the desert in the American Southwest.It is larger and more succulent than many other docks. Please click here for more information. I’ll focus on these, with which I have lived in a number of gardens. Today, most people have forgotten about this common and tasty edible weed. Some of the lower leaves have red stems. This article deals predominantly with Rumex crispus; Curly Dock, and R. obtusifolius; Bitter Dock. fenestratus, Rumex articus , Rumex paucifolius, Rumex rugosus , Rumex sagittatus, Rumex vesicarius , and Rumex scutatus . Broadleaf dock (Rumex obtusifolius) is a very hardy and common perennial weed with leaves that grow in a rosette or overlapping and circular pattern at the base.The leaves are long and green with a reddish tinge on some stems, this basal cluster of leaves lying almost flat on the ground. This plant prefers pH balanced soils although it can grow in very acidic and very alkaline soils as well. Polygonaceae), without the presence of more than 5 per cent. For those who are nervous about this, err on the side of caution. Rumex acetosella, or Sheep sorrel, is a herbaceous perennial herb consisting of a rosette of basal leaves and occasional flowering stalks.The stalks … View photos of the edible and medicinal plant Rumex obtusifolius (Broad leaved dock). Over the taproot, adult plants develop a fleshy underground stem, 3-5 cm long, with a branched crown. Docks grow as basal rosettes of foliage in early spring; they are often one of the first greens to emerge. Rumex obtusifolius on the New England Wildflower Society’s GoBotany site. He completely failed to mention most of them are so bitter it would take days of boiling to make them palatable, if ever. Some are nuisance weeds (and are sometimes called dockweed or dock weed), but some are grown for their edible leaves. It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. Not including burdock, (Articum spp) which is not in the Rumex family, Or Sheep Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) although sheep sorrel is indeed edible and delicious. Overview Information Yellow dock is an herb. They are excellent in stir-fries, soups, stews, egg dishes, and even cream cheese. Bitter dock is native to many areas or Europe, Asia (including Japan), and Greenland. Although bitter dock seedlings find it difficult to flourish under competitive conditions, fully grown plants are able to endure being trodden over and mowed. Other common edible rumex species include: Rumex obtusifolius – Bitter Dock or Broad Leaf Dock, as the name suggests, this type is generally quite bitter and has large broad leaves. Curly Dock – Rumex crispus. The root and fruits are used as medicine. The Plants Database includes the following 57 species of Rumex . There are at least 11 similar Rumex species in the state, 5 of which are native. of stem bases."N. Which Docks Are Edible? & Koch is a rare, partially sterile, hybrid dock known from MA, ME, NH, RI, VT. Its sterility manifests as fruiting perianths of different shapes and sizes on the same plant. Other edible docks include R. occidentalis (western dock), R. longifolius (yard dock), and R. stenphyllus (field dock). Description Top of page R. obtusifolius is an erect perennial herb, 40-150 cm tall, with a stout, branched taproot, extending to a depth of 150 cm in soils that allow deep root penetration. Young leaves are edible fresh or cooked. Rumex patientia – Patience dock or Monk’s Rhubarb, this species is mild and is eaten as a vegetable in southern and eastern Europe. (Taraxacum Officinale), Everything You Need to Know About Bananas. Polygonaceae. Leaves with markedly wavy-margins. Scientifically, Rumex is an edible plant that has many uses. Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaf Dock, is common in the Blue Mountains and many other parts of Australia. Edible weed #5. Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. Scientifically, Rumex is an edible plant that has many uses. By definition a weed is a plant that is growing in the wrong place. Other edible docks include R. occidentalis (western dock), R. longifolius (yard dock), and R. stenphyllus (field dock).R. Click, All listed plants are found in central-east Canada and It was only recently that I discovered you could eat dock stems. Rumex obtusifolius – Bitter Dock or Broad Leaf Dock, as the name suggests, this type is generally quite bitter and has large broad leaves. Some wild plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects. Rumex patientia – Patience dock or Monk’s Rhubarb, this species is mild and is eaten as a vegetable in southern and eastern Europe. & Koch is a rare, partially sterile, hybrid dock known from MA, ME, NH, RI, VT. Its sterility manifests as fruiting perianths of different shapes and sizes on the same plant. That’s dock, Rumex crispus the curly leaved variety and Rumex obtusifolius, the broad leaved variety, both adding to the ruin of my not-very-well-kept lawn.It’s infuriatingly well-constructed making it hard to uproot, and has so many seeds per plant that your chances of eradicating it are slim to impossible. Rumex obtusifolius is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.00 metres tall. Leaves with markedly wavy-margins. Rumex crispus × Rumex obtusifolius → Rumex ×‌pratensis Mert. The leaf base is slightly cordate or well-rounded, rather than tapering or wedge-shaped. The condition of the ocrea may be a good indicator of how tender and tasty that dock plant is. By late spring or early summer, dock produces tall flower stalks that bear copious amounts of seed, which are also edible. The same compound is found in spinach. As the bitter dock emerges it consists of a rosette of basal leaves, from which one or more flowering stalks develop. The leaf stalks are used in salads. Docks have chracteristic seed pods (also called seed valves), and you can tell which species of Rumex it is by looking closely at the shape of the tiny pods (see photos below). These often remain standing over winter and new growth will emerge from the base of the stalk. Look for the tall, dark brown, branched flower stalks that produced the prior year's seed crop. It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It shows very small teeth on the margins of the inner tepals mostly shorter … See below Description. In-depth wild edible PDFs. The midribs of large dock leaves can be tough and fibrous, while the leaf blade remains tender. ), please check the links and invasive species pages for additional resources. What Are Dandelions? Leaves are alternate along the flowering stalks. We haven’t seen confirmation that the roots are edible from credible sources. This plant has a long taproot that enables it survive long drought periods and out competes other vegetation. Rumex obtusifolius on Plants for a Future, a resource and information centre for edible and otherwise useful plants It goes by the common names Yellow Dock and Curly Dock. The Plants Database includes the following 57 species of Rumex . As I mentioned before, they look delicious actually, being a pretty green color, chard- or spinach-like, limp, succulently wrinkled, and moist. Small, greenish white flowers appear on tall spikes. Broadleaf Dock, Rumex obtusifolius, is showing itself currently in many landscape and turf settings. Eaten for their tart flavor are: Rumex acetosa, Rumex acetosella, Rumex aquaticus var. Edible weed #5. "Rumex obtusifolius is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). If eating spinach is against physician's orders or for those who are prone to kidney stones, don't eat dock. is part of the Buckwheat family (Polygonaceae). However, the much wider and less wavy leaves of … Click below on a thumbnail map or name for species profiles. Bitter dock also grows in hot climates such as South Africa, Namibia, Iran, Iraq, Indonesia and India. Phonetic Spelling ROO-meks a-kee-TOE-sell-uh This plant has low severity poison characteristics. Rich in vitamin C and minerals and available all year round. Wild food can help treat various medical conditions. Mainer Merritt Fernald, who was the Harvard wunderkind of botany from around 1900 to 1950, said all of the 17 native Rumex species in North America were edible. Rumex species are used as food plants by the larvae of a number of Lepidoptera species, and are the only host plants of Lycaena rubidus. Rumex crispus × Rumex obtusifolius → Rumex ×‌pratensis Mert. It is native to Europe, but is found on all temperate continents. During winter months, bitter dock coils up having undersized shady leaves and a solid taproot. It grows at altitudes up to 2,300 metres. The seed, however, can be labor-intensive to process and reports on its palatability are highly varied. This herbaceous plant usually grows between 60 and 90 cm (2-3') tall. Rumex obtusifolius Polygonaceae Perennial Form / Appearance Docks are hardy perennials, able to grow and establish on most soil types. The Rumex genus includes a number of species including R. acetosa (garden sorrel), R. scutatus (French sorrel), R. crispus (yellow or curly dock), R. obtusifolius (broadleaf dock), R. sanguineus (bloody dock), and more. If using raw leaves, avoid excessive mucilage by removing the leaf stem (petiole) and using only the actual leaves in salads. There are six stamens, the pistil has three fused carpels and it has three styles. "Rumex obtusifolius is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). Rumex acetosella, or Sheep sorrel, is a herbaceous perennial herb consisting of a rosette of basal leaves and occasional flowering stalks. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. as wild food and herbal medicine. Dock (Rumex crispus – curly dock and Rumex obtusifolius – broad-leaved dock) Curly-leafed dock (Rumex crispus). All information, photographs and web content contained in this website is Copyright © EdibleWildFood.com 2020. I came across a very showy patch during a recent outing in Howard County. Petioles are long and slender, while their blades are oblong-ovate, slightly undulate along the margins, and glabrous. Ellen Zachos is a foraging expert, instructor, and author of books on backyard foraging and wildcrafted cocktails. These leaves do have a bitter taste, especially the older they become. Dock edible parts/uses: The leaves of dock plants are edible. The plant forms muti-stems that bear the leaves. The leaf stalks are used in salads. Also known as Broad-leaved Dock, Bitter Dock, Bluntleaf Dock, Dock Leaf or ButterDock. It was introduced to Canada and the United States. Young stems can be consumed as well but are preferred cooked by those who enjoy them. Rumex obtusifolius on the University of Massachusetts Landscape, Nursery & Urban Forestry Program. Know that only young dock leaves are covered with mucilage. IV. R. crispus as the name suggests has wavy, curled leaf edges with wedge-shaped leaves. Radix Lapathi.—Rumex was official in the U. S., 1890, and has been admitted to the N. F. IV and is defined as "The roots of Rumex crispus Linné, or of Rumex obtusifolius Linné (Fam. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Curly dock may also be called yellow dock, sour dock, or narrowleaf dock, depending on where they are purchased. There are many edible docks, but curly dock and broad-leaved dock are the most common in the USA and Europe. Curled Dock. Click below on a thumbnail map or name for species profiles. It has been a traditional food and dye source for several Native American tribes. nutrition, recipes, history, uses & more! Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Rumex obtusifolius (Bitter Dock) Plant Info; Also known as: Broad ... is an uncommon weed of moist, disturbed soils but is likely under-reported in Minnesota. Like so many greens, docks reduce in volume when cooked, by about 20 to 25 percent of their original volume. This is called the ocrea, and it turns brown as the plant ages. They can also be dried for later use. EdibleWildFood.com is informational in nature. Family. It was only recently that I discovered you could eat dock stems. Plants can grow to a height of 1000-1500mm. Scientifically, Rumex is an edible plant that has many uses. Try vacuum sealing and freezing a bag of dock for winter months when the promise of spring greens seems like a cruel culinary tease. 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