Broad-Leaved Dock

rumex obtusifolius

The Broad-Leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius) is a highly resilient, perennial weed native to Europe but now widely naturalized across the globe. Known for its expansive, emerald leaves and tough, deep taproot, it is a familiar sight in pastures, roadsides, and disturbed soils. While gardeners often view it as a persistent agricultural weed, this hardy plant has a rich history in folk medicine, most famously as a natural soothing remedy for stinging nettle burns. Its ability to thrive in compacted, nutrient-rich soils makes it an ecological pioneer, preparing degraded land for subsequent plant successions.

Habitat: Commonly found in disturbed grounds, agricultural fields, waste places, and damp meadows with nutrient-rich soils.

Appearance

Broad-Leaved Dock is easily identified by its massive, oblong-ovate leaves that can reach up to 40 cm in length, featuring heart-shaped bases and slightly wavy margins. The plant grows from a dense basal rosette to produce tall, erect, reddish-green stems that branch near the top. In summer, it produces dense clusters of tiny green flowers that mature into distinctive, three-winged, reddish-brown dry fruits, each containing a single glossy seed. It typically stands between 60 to 150 cm tall.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyPolygonaceaeGenusRumex

Broad-Leaved Dock

Interesting facts

According to folklore, rubbing a crushed dock leaf on a stinging nettle sting helps neutralize the pain, a practice still widely used by hikers today.

Historically, the tough roots of the plant were used to extract a yellow dye for wool and other textiles.

The seeds of the broad-leaved dock can pass through the digestive systems of farm animals completely unharmed, helping the plant spread across pastures.

Special abilities

Develops a massive, deep taproot that can penetrate over a meter into compacted soil, allowing it to access deep water reserves and survive harsh droughts.

Leaves produce oxalic acid and tannins, which deter many generalist herbivores and give the foliage its signature bitter taste.

A single mature plant can produce up to 60,000 seeds per year, which can remain viable in the soil for several decades waiting for the right conditions to germinate.

Measurements & details

Length: 50-150 cm
Weight: 0.1-2 kg
Lifespan: 3-20 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photoautotrophic plant, it produces its own organic compounds through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and soil minerals.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon Dioxide
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Potassium

Foraging Method

Photosynthesis

Ecological connections

eaten by

Green Dock Beetle

Gastrophysa viridula

This beetle feeds heavily on the leaves of the broad-leaved dock, often skeletonizing them.

competitor

Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica

Often found growing alongside nettles in similar nutrient-rich soils, sharing the same ecological niche.

eaten by

Ruby Tiger Moth

Phragmatobia fuliginosa

The caterpillars of this moth species use dock leaves as a primary larval food plant.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Broad-Leaved Dock?

The easiest way to identify Broad-Leaved Dock is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Broad-Leaved Dock?

50-150 cm

How much does Broad-Leaved Dock weigh?

0.1-2 kg

How long does Broad-Leaved Dock live?

3-20 years

What does Broad-Leaved Dock eat?

As a photoautotrophic plant, it produces its own organic compounds through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and soil minerals.

Where is Broad-Leaved Dock usually found?

Commonly found in disturbed grounds, agricultural fields, waste places, and damp meadows with nutrient-rich soils.

How does Broad-Leaved Dock hunt?

Photosynthesis