Broad Dock

(Rumex obtusifolius)

 

   

 

 

G.C. Oeder et al., 1761-1874. Flora Danica.

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

 

Broad Dock (Rumex obtusifolius L.)

Alien: Native of Europe and northern Asia.

Identification: Flowers small, green, on short flower stalks, not hanging downward. Flowers arranged in terminal spikes and lateral branches. Fruit ovate with a small, central seed surround by papery wings with spiny outer margins. Upper and middle leaves elongate ovate, with petioles. Basal leaves large, broad, ovate. Plant 1 to 4 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout most of North America.

Habitat: Broad Dock is a weed found in a variety of disturbed habitats such as empty lots, fields, and along roadsides.

Flowering period: June to September.

Similar Species: The spiny wings of the fruit and the large, ovate, basal leaves are distinctive.

Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc. 2003. All rights reserved.