Alpine Dock, Munk's rhubarb

Rumex alpinus

Physical Characteristics

Rumex alpinus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

C. and S. Europe to W. Asia. Naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[1, 2, 5, 21, 22, 46, 183]. They can also be dried for later use[12]. A strong flavour, the leaves can be used in salads in late autumn to the spring, but are better cooked like spinach[K]. The fresh leaves can be available for most months of the year, only dying down for a short period in severe winters[K]. The leaves often become bitter in the summer[K]. In taste trials, this has proved to be a very popular autumn and spring cooked leaf, making an excellent spinach[K].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Laxative The root is astringent and laxative[4, 9]. It has a regulatory effect on the digestive system, similar to but weaker than rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum)[4]. It can act either as a laxative or a cure for diarrhoea according to dosage[4]. The root is harvested in early spring and dried for later use[4].

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].