curled dock
ExplorePlants
curled dock
Rumex crispus
Curled dock is a leafy plant with wavy edges that grows in many places. It has tall stems and can be found in fields and along roadsides. Its leaves are often used in salads and can be a tasty treat!
Habitat: Fields and roadsides
Appearance
The curled dock has distinct, long, wavy-edged leaves, often a deep green color. Its tall, slender stems produce dense clusters of small, greenish-red flowers that mature into prominent reddish-brown seed stalks. These curled leaves give it its name.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyPolygonaceaeGenusRumex
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
A single plant can produce up to 60,000 seeds in one year!
Its roots were once used to make a yellow-orange dye for fabrics!
The dried seeds can float on water, traveling far distances to sprout in new places!
Young curled dock leaves are sometimes called "wild spinach" and can be cooked!
Special abilities
Ability
Deep Digger
Curled dock has a powerful taproot that helps it reach deep water and nutrients, even in dry soil.
Ability
Seed Powerhouse
Curled dock produces thousands of seeds that can stay viable in soil for decades, helping it spread far and wide.
Ability
Sour Shield
This plant produces oxalic acid, which can make its leaves taste sour or bitter, helping to deter some hungry animals.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-150 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.2-0.3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eaten by
Broad-nosed weevil
Lixus iridis
Larvae feed on dock stems.
eaten by
Black bean aphid
Aphis rumicis
Feeds on sap from leaves and stems.
eaten by
European goldfinch
Carduelis carduelis
Eats abundant dried seeds in winter.
eaten by
European rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Browses on young leaves.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Biennial
Biennial plants complete their life cycle over two growing seasons, typically forming foliage in the first year and flowering/seeding in the second.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always check with an adult before eating any wild plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is curled dock?
30-150 cm
How wide does curled dock spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on curled dock?
0.2-0.3 cm
When does curled dock bloom?
Summer
Is curled dock edible?
Yes
Is curled dock toxic?
Mild
What is curled dock's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is curled dock pollinated?
Wind
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
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You might spot Nuttall's Scrub Oak and House Finch.
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Park60 sightings5 species
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Observatory Park
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