How to identify Redvein dock (Rumex sanguineus)

How to identify Redvein dock (Rumex sanguineus)

Redvein dock, also known as Blood dock

Redvein dock is distinguished by its impressive foliage, consisting of leaves that typically span 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) in length. Each leaf exhibits a remarkable color palette, characterized by a deep green hue complemented by unique, reddish or purplish veins that traverse the leaf surface. The leaves are lance-shaped and smoothly taper to a point, showcasing a subtle waviness along the margins. The stems of redvein dock rise vertically, supporting the striking leaves that provide a vivid contrast to their green counterparts in the garden.

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Redvein dock

Lance-shaped leaves with red-purple veins on bright green, 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long.

Star-shaped flowers on 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall stems, transitioning from green to red-brown.

Smooth, reddish stems around 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) thick, branching near the base.

Leaves exhibit glossy texture with web-like red-purple veining, margins mostly entire or finely serrated.

Distinctive red hue on young stems, becoming more pronounced as plant matures.

Detailed Traits of Redvein dock

Leaf Features

The leaves of redvein dock are characterized by their striking red-purple veining on a bright green blade. Typically, the leaves are lance-shaped to ovate, measuring about 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) in length. The texture is smooth with a slightly glossy surface, and the veins create a prominent, almost web-like pattern across the leaf. The margins are usually entire or finely serrated. This distinctive coloration and pattern make the leaves easily identifiable.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of redvein dock are star-shaped and bloom in early summer. They grow on tall stems, reaching heights of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm). The blossoms initially appear green and gradually mature to a striking red-brown hue. These small, intricate flowers are modest in size and do not produce a notable scent. The combination of their star-shaped form and distinctive color transformation makes them a unique feature for identification.

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Stem Features

The stem of redvein dock is characterized by its distinctive reddish hue, especially prominent in young shoots. It is moderately thick, typically around 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter, and exhibits a smooth texture. The stem has a branching pattern that starts near the base, leading to an upright growth habit. As the plant matures, the reddish tint may become more pronounced, serving as a key identifying feature. Its robust nature supports the plant's overall structure confidently.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

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Redvein dock and Their Similar Plants

Curly dock vs. Redvein dock: What's The Difference?

Rumex crispus, commonly known as curly dock, is a perennial plant that grows in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is a very adaptable plant, flourishing in a variety of different habitats including roadsides, the edges of woodlands, meadows, and shorelines. Some moth species like to lay their eggs on curly dock leaves.

Garden sorrel vs. Redvein dock: What's The Difference?

Garden sorrel (Rumex acetosella) is a flowering plant related to buckwheat. It can be found in acidic soil and tends to grow outside abandoned mines where other plants can't take hold. Farmers will often consider garden sorrel a weed; it is a particular problem for blueberry crops.

Heartwing Sorrel vs. Redvein dock: What's The Difference?

Heartwing Sorrel (Rumex hastatulus) is a plant species related to buckwheat native to the eastern and southern United States. Heartwing Sorrel grows in river valleys, meadows, and waste areas. This species is poisonous.

Buckler-leaved sorrel vs. Redvein dock: What's The Difference?

Rumex scutatus is a plant in the buckwheat family, used as a culinary herb. Its common names include French sorrel, buckler sorrel, shield-leaf sorrel, and sometimes the culinary name "green-sauce". As a culinary herb, it is used mainly in salads. The flavour of French sorrel is slightly bitter or tangy, spiced with a hint of lemon; the sharp flavour is due to oxalic acid. French sorrel is hardy in most regions, tolerating frost, full sun and short dry spells. It grows quickly to a clump up to 1 metre (3.3 ft) in diameter, with long leaves up to 10 centimetres (4 in) in width. It is sometimes preferred for culinary uses to Rumex acetosa, garden sorrel.

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Key Facts About Redvein dock

Attributes of Redvein dock

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30 cm to 46 cm

Spread

30 cm to 45 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Red

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Green

Red

Fruit Color

Brown

Red

Copper

Burgundy

Stem Color

Green

Red

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Scientific Classification of Redvein dock

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Family

Buckwheat

Genus

Docks

Species

Redvein dock (Rumex sanguineus)

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Distribution Map of Redvein dock

Redvein dock is native to regions spanning the Mediterranean, central and northern Europe, and parts of western Asia. This plant has further been introduced to areas in northern and southern regions of the world. Additionally, it is known to be cultivated beyond its natural range, which suggests adaptability to various climates.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Redvein dock

A Comprehensive Guide to Redvein dock How to Grow and Care for Redvein dock