About
Rumex obtusifolius, the broad-leaved dock, is a sturdy, tap-rooted perennial to 1 m or more with smooth, oblong, long-stalked leaves. Upright sprays of small, green and red flowers are followed by russet-brown, triangular fruit, with the structural stems persisting attractively into winter. A robust native plant for a wild or meadow garden.
About the genus
Rumex, the docks and sorrels, are annuals, biennials and perennials with mostly basal, simple leaves and erect panicles or racemes of small, greenish or reddish flowers followed by reddish-brown, triangular fruits. Some are ornamental, others edible.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Native toEurope
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 naturally in waste and cultivated land, grassland and marshy places. Can be a persistent agricultural weed, but is an important wildlife food source so can be tolerated in less-cultivated parts of the garden. Act promptly in areas where docks are not wanted as young plants are easy to remove. See docks for more information
PruningCut back prior to seed setting to avoid self-seeding
PropagationSpreads readily by seed; root sections also regrow
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free