Rumex

( ROO - mecks )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly referred to as Docks or Sorrels, these plants can take the form of annual, biennial, or perennial herbaceous flowering plants. Some are considered to be nuisance weeds, and others are grown as crop plants for their edible foliage. They typically grow as erect plants with long taproots, and produce fleshy to leathery green leaves. Flowers are inconspicuous, and can be green to brick red in color. Take care when planting Sorrel in the landscape, as some species are invasive. Check with local authorities before planting.

Rumex Species and Varietals

The genus Rumex is a member of the plant family Polygonaceae, and includes around 200 species. The growing zones for these plants vary depending on the species; for more information, consult the information below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Rumex acetosa (Sorrel, Common Sorrel, Garden Sorrel, Spinach Dock, Narrow-Leaved Dock)
These Eurasian native plants are common in grassland habitats, and produce edible foliage. Plants typically reach about two feet tall when mature, and produce reddish-green flowers in early summertime. These plants have been cultivated for centuries, their young leaves harvested for use in salads, soups, stews, sauces and curries. USDA zones 3-8.

Rumex acetosella (Red Sorrel, Sheep's Sorrel, Field Sorrel, Sour Weed)
This species is native to the British Isles and Eurasia, and is considered a perennial weed. Leaves are green and arrowhead-shaped, and plants sprout from aggressive rhizome roots. Flowers are maroon in color. Individual plants reach up to 20 inches tall, and flowers are present from March through November. Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and have a sour or bitter taste to them. They are best when boiled, used as garnish, added to salads, or used as a curdling agent for cheese making. Best in USDA zones 4-8.

Rumex alpinus (Monk's Rhubarb, Munk's Rhubarb, Alpine Dock)
These perennials form creeping rhizome roots, and are native to Europe and western Asia. Plants reach between 24 and 80 inches tall when mature, and produce green leaves and brick red flowers, which bloom from July through August in the plants' native range. Best in USDA growing zones 4-8.

Rumex aquaticus (Western Dock)
Found mainly in aquatic environments, these plants are native to temperate areas of Eurasia. Leaves are reddish-green, and plants reach about 6 feet tall when mature. These plants need nutrient-rich, watery soil to grow well, and typically grow along the edges of lakes, rivers, and streams.

Rumex arcticus (Arctic Dock, Sourdock)
This species of perennial flowering plants is native to Alaska. Historically, its leaves have been an important part of the diet of Alaskan Native populations such as the Yup'ik. This species grows best in USDA growing zones 2-6, and enjoys cool, moist soils.

Rumex brownii (Browne's Dock, Swamp Dock)
This leafy perennial herbaceous species is native to Australia, where it typically grows in disturbed sites. It is an introduced weed in the Pacific Islands, England, Japan, and New Zealand. Plants reach up to between 20 and 32 inches tall when mature, and produce green foliage that is used as a blanched leafy vegetable. Invasive in Japan, Hawai'i, and the United Kingdom.

Rumex crispus (Curly Dock, Curled Dock, Yellow Dock)
This species of Dock produces a 5-foot tall flowering spike and smooth leaves. These plants are native to Europe and western areas of Asia. It is known as an introduced (sometimes weedy) species in North America and other temperate regions around the globe. It grows in a variety of habitats, typically in disturbed soils, and has become a serious invasive species. It can be used as a wild leaf vegetable, added to salads or boiled to reduce its sour taste. Best in USDA zones 4-8.

Rumex hymenosepalus (Canaigre, Canaigre Dock, Ganagra, Wild Rhubarb, Arizona Dock, Tanner's Dock)
This species is native to North American desert regions in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is cultivated in its native range as a source of tannin (used in tanning leather goods). Leaves and leaf stalks are considered edible when young, prepared and eaten as Rhubarb. The species was first described by American botanist John Torrey. Best in USDA zones 6a-10b.

Rumex hypogaeus (Emex australis) (Southern Threecornerjack, Devil's Thorn, Double Gee, Spiny Emex, Cape Spinach)
These plants are native to South Africa, and are considered an invasive species in Australia, Texas (USA), and Pakistan. These plants can be prostrate or erect, and reach up to around 2 feet tall. The species is considered a weed, and treatment programs typically need to be continued over several years for complete eradication. Considered invasive in many areas.

Rumex maratimus (Golden Dock, Bristle Dock, Seashore Dock)
This annual plant is native to Asia as well as North and South America, and grows to reach between 6 and 30 inches tall at maturity. Individual plants can be erect or prostrate, and have wedge-shaped green leaves. Foliage is cooked as a vegetable, and seeds are ground into a powder and used for porridge.

Rumex obtusifolius (Bitter Dock, Broad-Leaved Dock, Bluntleaf Dock, Dock Leaf, Dockens, Butter Dock)
This perennial species is native to Europe, and has naturalized in every temperate area of the world. It is a highly invasive species due to its aggressive roots, hardiness, and abundant seed dispersal. Plants reach between 16 and 60 inches tall when mature. Leaves can be used as salad greens, or cooked like spinach. Dried seeds can be ground into a flour. Best in USDA zones 4-10.

Rumex patientia (Patience Dock, Garden Patience, Herb Patience, Monk's Rhubarb)
This species is consumed as a leaf vegetable, as a pie filling, in lasagnas or in broths. Leaves can also be used raw in salads. These plants are native to southern Europe. This species is best in USDA growing zones 5-10.

Rumex salicifolius (Willow Dock, Willow-Leaved Dock)
This species of Dock is native to western areas of North America, specifically California, Arizona and Nevada. It is an introduced species in Europe, commonly considered a roadside weed. These perennials reach up to 35 inches tall and produce edible leaves and roots that are steeped in tea or ground up for medicinal use. Best in USDA zones 4a-9b.

Rumex sanguineus (Wood Dock, Bloody Dock, Red-Veined Dock)
This species of Dock is native to Europe, and is a perennial flowering plant that reaches a few feet tall at maturity. Leaves are green, and young foliage is consumed as a leaf vegetable, though this species is less flavorsome and more ornamental than others. These plants grow well in USDA zones 4 through 8.

Rumex scutatus (Rumex alpestris) (French Sorrel, Buckler Sorrel, Shield-Leaf Sorrel, Green Sauce)
These plants are well-known culinary herbs used in salads, soups, and fish sauces. It has a tart taste with a hint of lemon flavor. These plants are hardy in most regions, and can tolerate frost, full sun, and short dry spells. They quickly grow to form a 3.3 foot-wide clump of green foliage. These plants do well in USDA zones 4a-9b.

Rumex venosus (Veiny Dock, Winged Dock, Sand Dock, Wild-Begonia)
Native to central and western areas of North America, this species can be found in many habitats, including dunes, sagebrush landscapes, and heavily grazed pastures. It forms a upright or spreading plant growing from a creeping rhizome, and has light green foliage. It is considered edible, though very sour. Hardy to -13 degrees Fahrenheit.

Caring for Rumex

Rumex can be planted via divisions of existing plants or grown from seed (either direct-sown or started indoors). Space plants 1-2 feet apart for best coverage and airflow. Choose a space in the landscape that receives full sun to partial shade. These plants typically like to get between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day, but do appreciate some afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 5.5 and 6.8 (acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. Water new plantings regularly as they establish themselves. At maturity, Rumex plants appreciate about an inch of water per week; as a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch.

Fertilizing Rumex plants is not necessary, though they can benefit from yearly applications of compost, especially if soils are particularly poor in nutrients or structure. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Prune off flower stalks as they form in summertime, as their presence will slow the production of leaves. To encourage larger and more abundant leaf production, cut the plant back to the ground and it will produce a new crop of foliage.

Harvesting Rumex (Sorrel) Plants
Take care when harvesting and using the leaves of Dock species, as they contain oxalic acid, which should not be consumed daily. Rumex, or Sorrel, plants are cut-and-come-again plants that can be continuously harvested over their productive seasons in spring, summer and fall. There are many species of Sorrel, but those most commonly used in cooking are Rumex acetosa (Common Sorrel), Rumex crispus (Curly Dock), and Rumex scutatus (French Sorrel). Sorrel plants are harvested when leaves are between 4 and 6 inches long; outer leaves are cut from the plant with clean, sharp shears. Small leaves are best in salads, adding an acidic tang. Larger leaves have more of a mellow taste to them, and are handy in stir fries or added to salads, as well.

Propagation

Rumex, or Dock, is best propagated by seed. To propagate your Rumex plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Rumex by Seed

Harvest your seeds in late summer or early fall. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded and are typically brown and dry. Cut the flowering stems off of the plant, placing them in a bag or other container. Stems can be hung upside down over a cloth or container or laid out to dry. Seeds will release when they are ready, and stems can be shaken to release more seeds. Seeds have a remarkable longevity, and can last for up to 80 years before germinating. As always, sowing fresh seeds is best.
Rumex seeds are direct-sown into the garden. Plant seeds 6 inches apart just under the soil surface, and keep the soil moderately moist as they germinate. When they reach around 2 inches tall, thin the seedlings so that they are spaced between 1 and 2 feet apart.