broad-leaved dock

Also known as: bitter dock; broad dock; keddle dock; kettle dock; batter dock; butter dock

R. obtusifolius is a robust, tap-rooted perennial to 1m or more, with smooth, oblong, long-stalked leaves. Upright sprays of small, green and red flowers are followed by similar-coloured fruit which then turn russet-brown, together with the stems which may persist into winter

broad-leaved dock

Scientific classification

Species
broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius)
Genus
Rumex
Family
Polygonaceae
Harmful if eaten in large amounts. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity
Herbaceous Perennial
Plant type
1-1.5 metres
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
Deciduous
Foliage
Columnar upright
Habit
Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest
Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight
Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

broad-leaved dock pictures

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Distribution of broad-leaved dock

Distribution map

Europe

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Harmful if eaten in large amounts. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of broad-leaved dock

Information to be completed

broad-leaved dock care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering
Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight
Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

Cut back prior to seed setting to avoid self-seeding

Propagation

Spreads readily by seed; root sections also regrow

Growing

Grows naturally in waste and cultivated land, grassland and marshy places and can become a persistent garden weed

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Common pests and diseases

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and aphids

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