Rumex obtusifolius
L.
Broad-leaf dock, Round-leaf Dock
(c) George Cook, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
(c) Andreas Rockstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
(c) Jim Natale, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
What to Eat
Edible parts: Leaves, Vegetable, Seeds
Young leaves are edible cooked, though they carry a bitter taste that intensifies with age. To reduce bitterness, the leaves are typically boiled in at least one change of water. They can also be dried for later use. Leaves gathered in early spring, when first produced, have a noticeably milder flavour. Young stems can be cooked and eaten as well. The seeds are edible raw or cooked, and can be ground into a powder to make a gruel or blended into cereal flours for bread-making, though they are small and somewhat fiddly to harvest.
Known Hazards
Where to Find It
It is a temperate plant. It will grow in most soils and positions. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 2,000 m above sea level. Tasmania Herbarium. In Yunnan.
Africa, Argentina, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Britain*, Caucasus, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Europe*, Falklands, France, Greece, Haiti, Indochina, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mediterranean, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Portugal, Romania, Russia, SE Asia, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, Venezuela, West Indies,
How to Identify
A plant that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1 m high and spreads 1 m wide. It has a long taproot. The stem is erect with spreading branches. The leaves are broad and blunt. The leaves are wavy. The flower spikes are crowded. The flowers are small and green. The seed valves have 1-4 teeth on each side.
Nutrition Score: 33/100
| Part | Moisture | kJ | kcal | Protein | Vit A | Vit C | Iron | Zinc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaves | 85 | 179 | 44 | 5 | — | — | — | — |
| Leaves | 89.9 | 156 | 38 | 2.9 | — | — | 1.1 | 0.4 |
How to Grow
Requires a good soil. Plants are occasionally cultivated for their edible leaves. A very important food plant for the caterpillars of many species of butterfly. This species is an alternative host of the turnip fly.
Propagation: Sow seed in spring directly in situ. Plants can also be propagated by division in spring.
Medicinal Uses
The leaves are commonly applied externally as a folk remedy for blisters, burns, and scalds. The root contains tannin and acts as an astringent and blood purifier. A tea made from the roots has been used to treat jaundice, whooping cough, boils, and bleeding. A root infusion used as a wash has helped treat skin eruptions, particularly in children. One report notes the root has been used as a contraceptive to stop menstruation. The root is best harvested in early spring and dried for later use.
Other Uses
Yellow, dark green to brown, and dark grey dyes can be obtained from the roots without the need for a mordant. This plant is also noted as a dynamic accumulator and for attracting wildlife.
Wikipedia
Source ↗Rumex obtusifolius, commonly known as bitter dock, broad-leaved dock, bluntleaf dock, dock leaf, dockens or butter dock, is a perennial plant in the family Polygonaceae. It is native to Europe, but is found on all temperate continents. It is a highly invasive species in some zones, resulting from its abundant seed dispersal, adaptability to reproduce, aggressive roots, ability to tolerate extreme climates, and hardiness.
Notes
There are about 200 Rumex species.
Names & Synonyms
Alabardak, Bijuaca, Bitter rock, Kokukizil, Labaca, Lengua de vaca, Pakta, Ramaza, Romaza, Sacha wulak Stevie, Tursho, Yabani labada, Yurak
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