Curly dock.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Herbaceous perennial

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Up to 1.5 meters tall

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 10

Bloom time

Summer

Care

Curly dock is a resilient plant that thrives in various conditions. While it can be managed as a weed by diligent removal, its deep taproot makes complete eradication challenging.

Watering

Water regularly, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Feeding

Generally not required; it thrives in poor to average soils.

Pruning

Remove flower stalks before they go to seed to prevent unwanted spread.

Repotting

Rarely needs repotting; it prefers to be slightly root-bound.

Soil

Prefers well-drained soils, adaptable to most types

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to alkaline

Temperature

-30 to 30°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Safety

People

None (edible when cooked, but high in oxalates)

Pets

None (edible when cooked, but high in oxalates)

Edibility

Roots and leaves are edible when cooked, but should be consumed in moderation due to high oxalic acid content.

How to identify it

• Deep taproot
• Wavy-edged basal leaves
• Erect flowering stem
• Small, reddish-brown flowers
• Heart-shaped seed clusters

Height

0.3 to 1.5m

Spread

0.3 to 0.6m

Leaves

Green, Reddish-green, semi-evergreen

Flowers

Greenish, Reddish-brown, 0.1 to 0.3cm

Fruit

Brown, Reddish-brown, Summer to Fall

Common problems

• Aphids — Small, soft-bodied insects that can cluster on new growth and stems, feeding on plant sap.
• Rust — Fungal disease causing orange to reddish-brown spots on leaves and stems.
• Bolting — Premature flowering, often triggered by stress like heat or drought, reducing leaf quality.

Growing it

Propagation

Seed, Root division

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Similar species

• Broadleaf dock — Similar in growth habit and habitat, but its leaves are broader and less wavy.
• Patience dock — Also a dock species, but it typically has larger, less wavy leaves and is more often cultivated for its edible greens.

Science

Family

Polygonaceae

Genus

Rumex

Order

Caryophyllales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Europe and Western Asia

Curly dock is adapted to colonize disturbed soils, where its deep taproot helps it access moisture and nutrients, and its prolific seed production aids in rapid spread.

Uses

Medicinal (poultices, infusions), Edible (leaves and roots when cooked), Ecological (soil indicator)

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is curly dock edible?

Yes, the leaves and roots are edible when cooked, but should be consumed in moderation due to their high oxalic acid content.

How do I get rid of curly dock?

Consistent hand-pulling of young plants or digging out the taproot before it flowers is the most effective method.

What kind of soil does curly dock prefer?

It's adaptable but does best in well-drained soils, tolerating a range of pH levels.

Is curly dock toxic to pets?

While edible in moderation for humans, the high oxalic acid content can be problematic for pets if consumed in large quantities.

Where the name comes from

The scientific name 'Rumex' comes from the Latin word for sorrel or dock, referring to its sour taste and leaf shape. 'Crispus' is Latin for 'curled', describing the distinctive wavy edges of its leaves.

Good to know

• It's considered a pioneer species in disturbed soils.
• The high iron content in its roots gave it its common name.
• Indigenous peoples used it for various ailments.
• Its wavy leaves are a distinctive feature.