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Rumex_aquaticus - L.

Common Name Red Dock, Western dock
Family Polygonaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards Plants can contain quite high levels of oxalic acid, which is what gives the leaves of many members of this genus an acid-lemon flavour. Perfectly alright in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since the oxalic acid can lock-up other nutrients in the food, especially calcium, thus causing mineral deficiencies. The oxalic acid content will be reduced if the plant is cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[238].
Habitats Shallow water at the margins of swamps[17]. Fields, meadows and ditches[4].
Range Europe, including Britain but absent from Italy and the Balkans, to N. Asia.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Wet Soil Water Plants Semi-shade Full sun
Rumex_aquaticus Red Dock, Western dock


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rumex_aquaticus_Sturm56.jpg
Rumex_aquaticus Red Dock, Western dock
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Wsiegmund

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Rumex_aquaticus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked[105].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The root is alterative, astringent, cholagogue, deobstruent, depurative, detergent, laxative and mildly tonic[238]. It can cause or relieve diarrhoea according to the dose, harvest time and relative concentrations of tannin(astringent) and anthraquinones (laxative) that are present[222]. It is used internally in the treatment of piles, bleeding of the lungs, various blood complaints and also chronic skin diseases[4, 238]. Externally, it is applied to various skin diseases, ulcers etc[4]. The root has been used with positive effect to restrain the inroads made by cancer, being used as an alterative and tonic[4]. The root is harvested in early spring and dried for later use[4]. Some caution is advised in its use since excess doses can cause gastric disturbance, nausea and dermatitis[222, 238].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dark green to brown and dark grey dyes can be obtained from the roots of many species in this genus, They do not need a mordant[168]. The dried and powdered root has a cleansing and detergent affect on the teeth[4].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

A plant of shallow water[17].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ. Division in spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Rumex aquaticusRed Dock, Western dockPerennial1.8 0-0  LMHSNWeWa131

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

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Botanical References

17

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