Rumex

Docks

Other names:
Introduced From: Europe and Asia (swamp dock is native)
Family:
Habitat: Marches, drains and sodden soils. Swamp dock also in lawns and forests
Uses: Leaves and leaf stalks edible cooked
Season: Best in winter and spring, before the plants form seeds (they are tougher afterwards)
References: Low (Weeds), Richardson and Shepherd

Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaf Dock, is common in the Blue Mountains and many other parts of Australia. Docks have chracteristic seed pods (also called seed valves), and you can tell which species of Rumex it is by looking closely at the shape of the tiny pods (see photos below). The seed valves are green when they first appear, then eventually they turn a brown colour.

Rumex obtusifolius - Broad-leaf Dock
Photo: Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaf Dock. Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains NSW. High resolution (1456 x 2132)

Rumex obtusifolius - Broad-leaf Dock
Photo: Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaf Dock. Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains NSW. High resolution (2049 x 1320)

Rumex obtusifolius - Broad-leaf Dock
Photo: Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaf Dock. Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains NSW. High resolution (1820 x 2492)

Rumex obtusifolius - Broad-leaf Dock
Photo: Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaf Dock. Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains NSW. Higher resolution (831 x 1281)

Rumex obtusifolius - Broad-leaf Dock
Photo: Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaf Dock. Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains NSW. High resolution (2000 x 2548)

Rumex obtusifolius - Broad-leaf Dock
Artwork from Tim Low's book: The seeds of Common Docks. Left: Curled Dock (Rumex crispus). Middle: Broad-leaf Dock (Rumex obtusifolius). Right, Swamp Dock (Rumex brownii).

Rumex obtusifolius - Broad-leaf Dock
Photo: Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaf Dock. Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains NSW.

Bush Tucker Plant Foods - Edible Weeds
Bush Tucker Plant Foods Index
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