Common Name: Red-Veined Dock

General Information

Rumex sanguineus is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a taproot; the erect, branched stem can grow around 40 - 100cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine 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

Europe - Spain to Britain and southern Scandanavia, east to southern Russia, Ukraine and Greece; W. Asia - Turkey, the Caucasus and Iran

Habitat

Waste ground, grassy places and in woods, avoiding acid soils[]. Woods and wet soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A very easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils and preferring a moist moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position[].
Plants usually self-sow freely in the garden[].
Of some value in the flower border or kitchen garden for its ornamental edible leaves[].
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 - raw or cooked[, ]. A spinach substitute[, ]. A fairly mild flavour when young, they make a very acceptable spinach at this time and can also be added in moderation to mixed salads[]. The leaves soon become bitter with age[].

Medicinal

The root is astringent[]. An infusion is useful in the treatment of bleeding[]. The root is harvested in early spring and dried for later use[].

A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of several skin diseases[].

Other Uses

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 situ.
Division in spring.