Rumex sanguineus
Red-Veined Dock
a perennial member of the Rumex genus in the family Polygonaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Genus
- Rumex
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 1 m
- Spread
- 0.5 m
- Fertility
- Wind
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Wind
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
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[7].
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Young leaves - raw or cooked[5][6]. A spinach substitute[1][4]. A fairly mild flavour when young, they make a very acceptable spinach at this time and can also be added in moderation to mixed salads[K]. The leaves soon become bitter with age[K].
- Plant part
- Leaves
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The root is astringent[8]. An infusion is useful in the treatment of bleeding[8]. The root is harvested in early spring and dried for later use[8]. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of several skin diseases[8].
- Product or use
- Astringent
- Product or use
- Skin
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
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[2].
- Product or use
- Dye
Environment
- Range
- Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa, the Caucasus, and C. Asia.
- Habitat
- Waste ground, grassy places and in woods, avoiding acid soils[3].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 6+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - sow spring in situ. Division in spring.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
A very easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils and preferring a moist moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position[6]. Plants usually self-sow freely in the garden[K]. Of some value in the flower border or kitchen garden for its ornamental edible leaves[6].
References
Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00
Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-02-544950-8
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00
Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9