Habitat and Range
Dock (large Rumex spp) is most often found in disturbed soils, but they grow well in moist or gravely places also. Dock grows commonly throughout all parts of the Sierra below 11,500 ft.
Physical Description
Dock is a perennial herb that stands up to 4 ft tall. The erect stems bear many alternate leaves that are than 2-10 inches in length and oblong to lanceolate in shape. Willow Dock (above) has shrubby growth with branching stems and smaller leaves whereas Curly Dock has a single stem and large curling leaves. The leaves of any Dock are light green when young and reddish with age. They taste lemony and slightly bitter when young and just bitter when aged. The inflorescence is a slender raceme of small red flowers. The fruit is a shiny, brown triangular seed no larger than 2 mm.
Food Uses
Dock leaves (like all Rumex spp) can be eaten raw, but are better boiled. Dock tends to be slightly bitter when raw and really bitter when aged. Eat the young leaves. Boil the plant if you plan to eat it in large quantities. The stems are also edible. Even though the seeds are small, they can be gathered and eaten raw or boiled. Agitate the fruit to remove the seeds from the wings, and winnow.
CAUTION: Eat in moderation or boil. Raw parts of this plant contain oxalic acid, a compound that reacts with calcium to produce oxalate crystals. This can yield symptoms of poisoning including muscle spasms, cramps and burning pain in the mouth.
Medicinal Uses
The root is an excellent source of assimilable iron and can quickly restore healthy concentrations of iron in the body. A tincture of Dock root can be helpful in treating anemia and hepatitis. The fresh root can be used as a poultice for skin rashes.
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