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Herbaceous Perennial

Rumex obtusifolius

broad-leaved dock

A robust, tap-rooted perennial to 1m or more, with smooth, oblong, long-stalked leaves. Upright sprays of small, green and red flowers are followed by similar-coloured fruit which then turn russet-brown, together with the stems which may persist into winter

Other common names
bitter dock
broad dock
see morekeddle dock
kettle dock
batter dock
butter dock
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Red Green Brown
Autumn Green Brown
Winter Brown
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Polygonaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten in large amounts. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten in large amounts - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Rumex can be annuals, biennials or perennials with mostly basal, simple leaves and erect panicles or racemes of small greenish or reddish flowers followed by reddish-brown, triangular fruits

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows naturally in waste and cultivated land, grassland and marshy places and can become a persistent garden weed

Propagation

Spreads readily by seed; root sections also regrow

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
Pruning

Cut back prior to seed setting to avoid self-seeding

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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