Common Name: Fewleaved Dock

General Information

Rumex paucifolius is a herbaceous perennial plant with a vertical rootstock and densely tufted underground stolons; the erect stems can grow 10 - 40cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

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

Western N. America - British Columbia and Alberta, south to California, and Colorado.

Habitat

Montane areas from lower wet meadows to moist slopes above the tree line[]. Meadows, gravelly and grassy slopes, banks of rivers and streams in alpine, subalpine, and montane zones; at elevations from 2,000 - 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.25 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
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[].
Being wind -pollinated, Rumex species usually hybridize readily, especially with other members of the genus they are more closely related to[].
Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Edible Uses

Leaves and stems - raw or cooked[, , , , ].

Seed - raw or cooked[]. The seed can be ground into a meal and used like a porridge.

Medicinal

None known

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.