Curly Dock
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(Rumex crispus)
Curly Dock (Rumex crispus)
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© Justin Johnsen
CC BY 4.0
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© Justin Johnsen
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Justin Johnsen | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: justin2 | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Summary
Rumex crispus, commonly known as Curly Dock, is a perennial herb native to Europe and Western Asia, often found in disturbed soils of fields, roadsides, and waste areas. It typically grows up to 5 feet high and is characterized by its long taproot, smooth leaves with wavy or curled edges, and a reddish-green stem. The plant blooms from May to July, producing greenish flowers that mature into shiny brown seeds encased in the calyx, which are easily spread by wind and water. Curly Dock is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions, including those with poor fertility.
Curly Dock is valued for its medicinal properties, as it has been used traditionally to treat various ailments. In cultivation, it requires minimal care, tolerating both drought and waterlogged soils, and can grow in full sun to part shade. However, it is invasive globally, including North and South America, New Zealand, and Australia, thriving in disturbed soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Curly Dock is valued for its medicinal properties, as it has been used traditionally to treat various ailments. In cultivation, it requires minimal care, tolerating both drought and waterlogged soils, and can grow in full sun to part shade. However, it is invasive globally, including North and South America, New Zealand, and Australia, thriving in disturbed soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Brown, Green
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Drainage: Slow
Common Uses
Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Disturbed soils of fields, roadsides, and waste areas
Other Names
Common Names: Curly Dock, Sour Dock, Narrowleaf Dock, Yellow Dock
Scientific Names: Rumex crispus, Lapathum crispum, Lapathum crispum, Lapathum crispum, Rheum crispum, Rumex coreanus, Rumex crispus f. integerrimus, Rumex crispus f. subcordatus, Rumex crispus f. tricallosus, Rumex crispus var. integerrimus
GBIF Accepted Name: Rumex crispus