Fewleaved Dock, Alpine sheep sorrel

Rumex paucifolius

Physical Characteristics

Rumex paucifolius is a PERENNIAL. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained 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 or wet soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - British Columbia to California.

Habitats

Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Stem Edible Uses: Leaves and stems - raw or cooked[46, 61, 105, 161, 257]. Seed - raw or cooked[257]. The seed can be ground into a meal and used like a porridge.

Medicinal Uses

None known

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].