Bitter dock - Rumex obtusifolius (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Control)

Bitter dock

Also known as: Dock Leaf, Broad-leaved dock, Round-leaved dock

Bitter dock (Rumex obtusifolius) grows wild in shady, temperate areas around the world. Its leaves and stems are edible when young, as are the seeds. It was used in Medieval European folk medicine, and the roots can be used to make yellow dye.

Scientific classification

Species

Bitter dock (Rumex obtusifolius)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall, Winter

Harvest Time

40 cm to 1.5 m

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

6 mm

Flower Size

Brown, Red

Fruit Color

Green, Red, Orange

Flower Color

Green, Brown, Red

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen, Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Bitter dock

Distribution of Bitter dock

Distribution Map

Bitter dock is native to Europe, Eurasia, and parts of the Middle East, including Iran. It has become naturalized over most of North and South America and in parts of East Asia. It grows extensively in grasslands, fields, and agricultural areas, which have made it an invasive nuisance in both its native and introduced ranges.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Waste ground, hedgerows, field margins

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Bitter dock is cultivated in woodland and butterfly gardens, providing nutrition for the larvae of moths and butterflies. Plant it in your garden or hedgerows to make your garden space more pollinator-friendly. It will also do well as ground cover in meadow gardens and settings with partially shaded areas.

Symbolism

Healing, Fertility, Money, Cleansing

Interesting Facts

Bitter dock grows in the wild in the United Kingdom in close proximity to *Urtica dioica*, or stinging nettles. Stinging nettles have long needles that inject histamine into the skin, causing an itching feeling of irritation. In the United Kingdom, people historically squeezed the underside of the bitter dock leaves onto their irritated skin after contact with stinging nettles, forming a natural remedy.

Name Story

Bitter dock: This plant has a bitter rootstocks. The word, dock can be used as a common name for grass weeds. Generally, those plants with dock in it are usually grass weed. Rumex obtusifolius has been listed as harmful weed, so it is called bitter dock.

Broad-leaved dock||Round-leaved dock||Blunt-leaved rock||Butter dock: This plant is given many names that are based on the characteristics of their leaves. For example, if the leaves are especially huge, it can reach a length of 41 cm in which it is called the broad-leaved dock; if the leaves are huge and oval-shaped, it is called the round-leaved dock. As obtusifolius means "obtuse-leaved", it is then called blunt-leaved rock. In the 19th century, its leaves were used to wrap butter. Hence, it was called butter dock.

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Toxicity

Bitter dock contains oxalic acid and is toxic to humans, dogs, and cats if ingested. Symptoms include vomiting, stomach pain, and seizures. The plant's sap can cause skin rashes. Prevent pets from chewing bitter dock and seek immediate veterinary care if ingested to ensure their safety and well-being. All parts of bitter dock are toxic to animals and humans.

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Weed Control

Bitter dock is native to Eurasia, but it has been introduced to all continents. A cause for concern is that the weed thrives in a range of different temperature zones: temperate regions and even the Arctic Circle! Bitter dock is a very hardy plant with high seed production. The seeds can remain viable for a long time. Also, the plant has a strong branching taproot that can produce new shoots after the upper part of the plant has been cut down. It is found mostly in grasslands but spreads primarily through soil-disturbing agricultural or maintenance practices.

Bitter dock is considered an invasive weed both within and outside its native range. It is listed as an agricultural, environmental, and garden weed in The Global Compendium of Weeds. It is also considered to be one of the most troublesome weeds in intensively managed pastures throughout its range because it reduces grass yields and food intake by grazing animals.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of bitter dock is early spring, before the plant reaches its seeding stage to prevent further propagation. Here are some organic methods for control or removal:

Hand-pulling: Moistening the soil makes it easier to pull out bitter dock by hand. Make sure to remove all roots to prevent regrowth.
Smothering: Cover the area with a thick layer of organic mulch or a landscaping fabric. This deprives the plant of sunlight, ultimately killing it.
Using a weed torch: Carefully apply heat to bitter dock to cause it to wilt and die. Be aware of safety measures when using this method.
Hoeing: Regularly cutting bitter dock at the base with a sharp hoe can weaken the plant, making it easier to pull out.
Using corn gluten meal: Apply this natural pre-emergent herbicide early in the spring to prevent bitter dock seeds from developing.

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Care Guide for Bitter dock

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Bitter dock thrives in moderately moist habitats and prefers consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. Weekly watering maintains this balance. As an herbaceous perennial, bitter dock is best cultivated outdoors, benefiting from natural rainfall throughout the seasons.

Propagation: Bitter dock propagates mainly via cuttings in spring or summer. This method is simple, and successful growth is marked by new leaf emergence. It's important to monitor water and light conditions for optimal growth.

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Images of Bitter dock

Distribution of Bitter dock

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Care Guide for Bitter dock

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