About
This leafy, creeping rhizomatous herbaceous perennial dock to around 2m in height with very large, oval green leaves. They also have medicinal properties. Leaves are edible with a lemony taste but should not be eaten in large quantity. Pinkish-green flowers appear on tall, upright stems in July. It is mainly found on farmland, roadsides, areas of wasteland and in damper areas by streams and rivers.
About the genus
Rumex can be annuals, biennials or perennials with mostly basal, simple leaves and erect panicles or racemes of small greenish or reddish flowers followed by reddish-brown, triangular fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBogs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesWildflower meadow
ToxicityHarmful if eaten in large amounts. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten in large amounts - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in moist but well drained soil. Self-seeds freely and also spreads from the roots so can be difficult to control or eradicate. See the advice page on controlling sheep's sorrel for more details
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free