Rumex venosus, commonly known as Veiny Dock, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including sagebrush deserts, dunes, and sandy areas in central and western North America, ranging from the Canadian prairies to Mexico. It is often found in heavily grazed pastures and is typically avoided by livestock. Veiny Dock has decumbent to upright stems that reach 2-8 inches in height and grows from a creeping rhizome. Its lance-shaped leaves are 1-6 inches long with papery stipules. The plant features a densely flowered inflorescence with inconspicuous green flowers. During the flowering season, the inner sepals turn pink, enlarge, and surround the achene, providing a subtle ornamental quality.

Veiny Dock is recognized for its ecological role as a food plant for the ruddy copper butterfly. It is not commonly used in cultivation due to its toxic oxalates, which can be harmful if ingested. However, it can be considered for naturalized areas or wildlife gardens where its ability to thrive in poor, sandy soils and its drought tolerance are advantageous. It requires minimal maintenance and can survive with little water once established. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread via rhizomes and manage its growth accordingly.CC BY-SA 4.0