Description
Rumex – Dock – Sorrel –
There are about 200 annuals, biennials, and usually taprooted, sometime rhizomatous perennial herbs, in the buckwheat family in this genus. They in a range of habitats, including mountains, wasteland, cultivated ground, and streamsides in the Northern Hemisphere. Docks have simple, variable shaped, mainly basal leathery, leaves, which occasionally have wavy margins. In summer, the tiny, star shaped, bisexual or unisexual flowers are borne in whorls in usually erect, dense, terminal panicles or racemes. They are followed by small, oval, pointed, brown to red-brown fruit. Some species are invasive weed, a few are grown for their decorative foliage or as herbs. Grow in a herbaceous or mixed border. All parts of docks may cause mild stomach upset if ingested, contact with the foliage may irritate the skin.
Grow in moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun.
Prone to slugs and snails, rust, smut, and leaf spots.
R. acetosa – Sorrel – Dock – Garden Sorrel – Acetosa sagittate – This fast growing, large, taprooted perennial from Europe grows 3-5′ feet tall and has an indefinite spread. From sturdy stems it carries arrow head shaped, bright green leaves, 4-6″ long, with basal lobes that do not curve outward. In June and July it bears insignificant greenish flowers in spike like terminal clusters, papery, reddish seeds follow, which self sow profusely. Needs well drained soil in full sun. Grown in gardens and borders for the sour lemony, tangy leaves, high in Vitamin C, used in salads, soups and sauces. Deadhead to prevent rampant self seeding, as the plant can be highly invasive.
Zones 6-7
