Rumex obtusifolius subsp. sylvestris, commonly known as Broadleaf Dock or Bitter Dock, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including meadows, roadsides, and disturbed areas across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is often found in fertile, moist soils, particularly in riparian zones, floodplains, and agricultural land. This species rapidly grows to a height of 1.5-4 feet (0.46-1.2 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). Broadleaf Dock has a basal rosette of large, oblong leaves and produces greenish to reddish-brown flowers that are rather inconspicuous, blooming in the summer. The flowers are not particularly showy, but the plant is known for its large, wavy-edged leaves.

Broadleaf Dock is valued for its medicinal properties, as the leaves have been used traditionally to treat various ailments. It is also considered an edible plant, though with a bitter taste. In gardens, it can be used in wildflower meadows or naturalized areas. It prefers full sun to part shade and grows best in medium draining clay or loam soils, with medium water requirements. However, gardeners should be cautious as Rumex obtusifolius subsp. sylvestris can be invasive outside its native range and is considered a weed in many regions. It can also host plant pathogens like fungi and viruses that affect other crops.CC BY-SA 4.0