Curled Dock

(Rumex crispus)

 

   

 

 

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Curled Dock (Rumex crispus L.)

Alien: Native of Europe and northern Asia.

Identification: Flowers small, green, arranged in multiply brached terminal spikes. Flowers hanging from long flower stalks. Fruit heart-shaped with a hard central seed surrounded by papery wings. Leaves elongate with margins wavy and curled. Plant 1 to 4 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout most of North America.

Habitat: Curled Dock is a weed found in many disturbed habitats including fields, empty lots, and roadsides.

Flowering period: June to September.

Similar Species: The curled and wavy margins of the leaves are distinctive.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

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