Rumex Species, Bitter Dock, Broad-leaved Dock, Butter Dock, Round-Leaved Dock

There are several types of dock in the US - two that mainly inhabit the Eastern and midwest US -- curly (Rumex crispus) and broadleaf (...Read MoreR. altissimus Wood) . The main difference between the two is that in curly dock, the leaves are narrower and wavy, but broad in the broadleaf variety. But Broadleaf dock also has a more handsome flower stalk, which may sometimes have multiple stems, whereas the curly variety is generally one flower stalk only that is less full and curly.

Dock grows mainly in ditches, pastures and along the roadside in mainly rural areas but may also be found in semi-shaded woodlands. The oblong, broad or wavy leaves appear in rosette form, but are actually alternate at the top of the long tap root.

The flowers are long green spikes of seeds which fade from green to a greenish-tan, then a rosy color in early July. Finally, the whole plant turns a deep dark brown in August.
Can spread by root fragments as well as seed.

The seed/stalks can be cut and air-dried in green, tan, rosy, or brown form for use in dried arrangements. Makes a very nice filler.

DOCK, DOCKEN (rumex species) Gaelic: copag Medicinal uses: Poultice made of cleaned roots for nettle and bee stings. Roots boiled and mix...Read Moreed with beeswax and fresh butter made a healing ointment. Dye: Roots plus iron, and yarn mordanted in iron gave a rich dark brown, black can also be obtained but this can depend on the size and age of the plant. Seeds used with wool mordanted with alum produce colours ranging from amber to oxblood red depending on how long the dye is boiled. If the seedheads are picked late only dull brown colours will be produced. Other uses: Leaves eaten as greens or fed to cattle, stems can be combined with grasses to make baskets.