Rumex tenuifolius -
| Family: | Polygonaceae |
| Habit: | Perennial |
| Synonyms: | |
| Range: | Central and northern Europe, including Britain, to the Arctic region. |
The flowers from this plant are dioecious (each plant is either male or female, thus both genders need to be present to seed) and they are pollinated by Wind
Soil Information
Rumex tenuifolius 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
Rumex tenuifolius prefers moist soils
Ideal Planting Locations
Rumex tenuifolius can grow in semi or areas with no shade.Widespread but uncommon, it is usually found in the poorest soils[17].
Planting places suited to this plant described below.
- Can be planted in Cultivated Beds
- Suits a meadow
Cultivation Details
Succeeds in most soils but prefers a deep fertile moderately heavy soil that is humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained and a position in full-sun or part shade[200]. This species is found in very poor soils in the wild[17].Edible Uses*
* See disclaimerEdible Rating: 1/5
Leaves - raw[177].
- Leaves -
Medicinal Uses*
* See disclaimerMedicinal Rating: 0/5
None known
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].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
DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.


