Rumex crispus
curled dock
A vigorous, tap-rooted perennial with pointed, wavy-edged leaves and tall, stiff flowering stems supporting a narrow column of very small, reddish green flowers, the stem and seeds turning rich brown in autumn and persisting into winter
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, °Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»åpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Brown | ||
| Winter | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or °Â±ð²õ³Ù–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten in large amounts. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten in large amounts - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Rumex can be annuals, biennials or perennials with mostly basal, simple leaves and erect panicles or racemes of small greenish or reddish flowers followed by reddish-brown, triangular fruits
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows naturally in most soils and found particularly in grassland, road verges, waste areas and cultivated ground. Can be a persistent agricultural weed, but is an important wildlife food source so can be tolerated in less-cultivated parts of the garden. Act promptly in areas where docks are not wanted as young plants are easy to remove. See docks for more information
Propagation
Spreads readily by seed; root sections also regrow
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
Cut back prior to seed setting to avoid self-seeding
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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