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

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
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
People also ask
Information to be completed
Common pests and diseases
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Explore the plant health library →









