Herb Patience

Rumex patientia

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Basic Information

Family: Polygonaceae

Genus: rumex

Plant ID (slug): rumex-patientia

Numeric ID: 25714

USDA Hardiness: 5-10

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Rumex patientia is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. 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

Europe. Naturalized in a few places in Britain[17].

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[1, 2, 5, 37, 177]. Eaten like spinach or made into a delicious puree, they are often mixed with a quarter part of sorrel in order to add flavour to them[183]. A fairly mild flavour[183], they make an excellent vegetable[K]. The leaves are produced very early in the year[27]. Carbon Farming - The hybrid Rumex patientia x tianschanicus is a good staple crop: balanced carb.

Medicinal Uses

The juice, and an infusion of the root, has been used as a poultice and salve in the treatment of various skin problems[257]. An infusion of the root has been used in the treatment of constipation[257]. The leaves have been rubbed in the mouth to treat sore throats[257].

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].