Rumex sanguineus - Red-Veined Dock
| Family: | Polygonaceae |
| Habit: | Perennial |
| Height: | 1 |
| Width: | 0.5 |
| Synonyms: | R. condylodes. R. nemerosus. |
| Range: | Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa, the Caucasus, and C. Asia. |
Red-Veined Dock will flower in December to February. the seeds ripen from January to March
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Wind
Soil Information
Red-Veined Dock will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important 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
Red-Veined Dock prefers moist soils
Ideal Planting Locations
Red-Veined Dock can grow in semi or areas with no shade.Waste ground, grassy places and in woods, avoiding acid soils[17].
Planting places suited to this plant described below.
- Grows within a woodland garden
- Grows on a sunny edge
- Works within dappled Shade
- Suits a meadow
Cultivation Details
A very easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils and preferring a moist moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position[200]. Plants usually self-sow freely in the garden[K]. Of some value in the flower border or kitchen garden for its ornamental edible leaves[200].Edible Uses*
* See disclaimerEdible Rating: 2/5
Young leaves - raw or cooked[2, 200]. A spinach substitute[105, 183]. 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].
- Leaves -
Medicinal Uses*
* See disclaimerMedicinal Rating: 1/5
The root is astringent[4]. An infusion is useful in the treatment of bleeding[4]. The root is harvested in early spring and dried for later use[4]. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of several skin diseases[4].
- Astringent - Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
- Skin - Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in situ. 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
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 cultivarsReferences
Flora of the British Isles.Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Author: Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Rating:
Publisher : A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
Date of Publication : 1962
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992
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