Common Name: Arctic Dock

General Information

Rumex arcticus is an erect, somewhat fleshy, herbaceous perennial plant growing from a spindle-shaped rootstock occasionally with short rhizomes; it produces one orr more erect stems that can be around 15 - 70cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine.

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[].

Botanical References

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Range

Subarctic regions of N.America from Alaska and British Columbia to Nunavut and of Eurasia from northern European Russia to the Russian Far East

Habitat

Sandy seashores, wet tundra[]. Moist tundra, marshes, river valleys, sandy and gravelly shores and slopes; at elevations up to 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally succeed in a variety of soils, but they prefer deep fertile moderately heavy soils that are humus-rich, moisture-retentive and also well-drained, with a position in full-sun or part shade[]. This species is a plant of wet soils.
Being wind -pollinated, Rumex species usually hybridize readily, especially with other members of the genus they are more closely related to[]..

Edible Uses

Tender young leaves and stems - raw or cooked[, , , ]. An acid flavour, they are sometimes used like rhubarb[]. They are also cooked as greens or eaten raw in salads[]. A good source of vitamins A and C[].

Seed - raw or cooked[].

Medicinal

The astringent leaves and stems have been used in the treatment of diarrhoea[].

Other Uses

Although no specific mention has been made for this species, dark green to brown and dark grey dyes can be obtained from the roots of many species in this genus, They do not need a mordant[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring.