Marsh Dock
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(Rumex palustris)
Marsh Dock (Rumex palustris)
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© Yves Bas
CC BY 4.0
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© Yves Bas
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Yves Bas | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: yvesbas | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Summary
Rumex palustris, commonly known as Marsh Dock, is a versatile plant that can be perennial, biennial, or annual, depending on environmental conditions. It is native to a variety of wetland habitats across Europe, including moist meadows, marshes, and the shores of lakes and slow-moving rivers. This species typically grows to less than one meter in height and features lanceolate basal leaves that form a rosette at the base of the stem. The inflorescences consist of reddish-brown flowers that appear from June to August, which are not particularly showy but are interesting for their unique coloration.
Marsh Dock is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions, making it suitable for water gardens, rain gardens, and restoration projects where soil moisture is consistently high. It prefers full sun to part shade and tolerates a range of soil types, as long as they are moist or wet. While not commonly used in ornamental horticulture, it can provide textural contrast in naturalistic plantings. Gardeners should be cautious, as Rumex palustris can spread readily outside its native range due to its prolific seed production and adaptability to various wetland environments.CC BY-SA 4.0
Marsh Dock is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions, making it suitable for water gardens, rain gardens, and restoration projects where soil moisture is consistently high. It prefers full sun to part shade and tolerates a range of soil types, as long as they are moist or wet. While not commonly used in ornamental horticulture, it can provide textural contrast in naturalistic plantings. Gardeners should be cautious, as Rumex palustris can spread readily outside its native range due to its prolific seed production and adaptability to various wetland environments.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1.5-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Green, Red
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Standing, Slow
Common Uses
Erosion Control, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to moist meadows, marshes, and lake shores across Europe
Other Names
Common Names: Swamp Dock
Scientific Names: Rumex palustris, Lapathum limosum, Lapathum palustre, Lapathum palustre, Rumex laxiflorus, Rumex limosus, Rumex limosus var. palustris, Rumex maritimus, Rumex maritimus subsp. limosus
GBIF Accepted Name: Rumex palustris