Red Dock, Western dock

Rumex aquaticus

Physical Characteristics

Rumex aquaticus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). It is in flower 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 wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain but absent from Italy and the Balkans, to N. Asia.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked[105].

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Astringent Deobstruent Detergent Tonic The root is alterative, astringent, cholagogue, deobstruent, depurative, detergent, laxative and mildly tonic[238]. It can cause or relieve diarrhoea according to the dose, harvest time and relative concentrations of tannin(astringent) and anthraquinones (laxative) that are present[222]. It is used internally in the treatment of piles, bleeding of the lungs, various blood complaints and also chronic skin diseases[4, 238]. Externally, it is applied to various skin diseases, ulcers etc[4]. The root has been used with positive effect to restrain the inroads made by cancer, being used as an alterative and tonic[4]. The root is harvested in early spring and dried for later use[4]. Some caution is advised in its use since excess doses can cause gastric disturbance, nausea and dermatitis[222, 238].

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].