Rumex arcticus - Arctic Dock

Family:	Polygonaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Synonyms:
Range:	N. Europe.

Rumex arcticus (Arctic Dock) is a Perennial. It has a hardness rating of 0.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Wind

Soil Information

Arctic Dock will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Arctic Dock prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Arctic Dock can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Marshes in N. Russia.

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. It is a plant of wet soils.

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
Tender young leaves and stems - raw or cooked[46, 61, 105, 177]. An acid flavour, they are sometimes used like rhubarb[257]. They are also cooked as greens or eaten raw in salads[257]. A good source of vitamins A and C[257]. Seed - raw or cooked[172].

• Leaves -
• Seed - includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
The astringent leaves and stems have been used in the treatment of diarrhoea[257].

• Astringent - Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring.

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].

Other Uses

Although no specific mention has been made for this species, 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].

• Dye - Plants that provide dyes.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora Europaea
?
Author: ?
Rating:
Publisher : An immense work in 6 volumes (including the index). The standard reference flora for europe, it is very terse though and with very little extra information. Not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1964

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