Rumex salicifolius, as recognised here, is found in the southwestern USA and northern Mexico. It has often been recognized in a broader sense than it is treated here, including in it other taxa with a range extending into western Canada[]. Consequently, some of the reports included here should more properly belong to other, closely related taxa, although all the taxa are likely to have a similar range of uses[].

Common Name: Willow Dock

General Information

Rumex salicifolius is a herbaceous perennial plantwith erect or ascending stems that can grow around 30 - 60cm 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

,

Range

Western N. America - California, Nevada, Arizona, northern Mexico

Habitat

Coastal sand dunes to river banks, lake shores, mountain meadows and rocky slopes[]. Shores of streams and rivers, wet mountain meadows, and rocky slopes; at elevations up to 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 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[].
Being wind -pollinated, Rumex species usually hybridize readily, especially with other members of the genus they are more closely related to[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves - cooked[]. Used as greens[].

Stems - cooked[]. They can be peeled, then boiled with sugar and used like rhubarb[]. The stems can be baked, peeled and the inner pulp eaten hot or cold[].

Seed - cooked[]. It can be ground into a powder and cooked with water until it has the consistency of a thick gravy[].

Medicinal

The roots are astringent, blood purifier, laxative, poultice and salve[]. A decoction has been used in the treatment of severe constipation[]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of stomach aches[].
The mashed roots have been used as a salve on sore limbs and on chicken pox rash[]. The dried, powdered root has been used as a dusting powder on sores and cuts[].

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.