Seasonal Wild Flowers

Broad-leaved Dock

Rumex obtusifolius

Polygonaceae

May to October

It is found throughout the country.

See the BSBI distribution map for Broad-leaved Dock

It grows on waste ground, disturbed and neglected

cultivated land, the edges of fields, hedge-banks, and

beside water, roads and paths.

Broad-leaved Dock is a native, perennial herb, growing

up to 2m.

Flowers are in whorls, each with 3 triangular to oblong

tepals.and 6 stamens.

Fruits have 3 to 5 teeth on the rounded upper part and

a round wart (up to 3mm).

In Broad-leaved Dock only one of the sides develops a

wart.

Fruits are triangular nuts.

Basal leaves are large and heart shaped – up to 15cm.

Upper leaves are ovate to lanceolate, reducing in size

up the stem.

Stems are stout, erect and branched.

Previous page: Broad Bean
Next page: Brooklime

Broad-leaved Dock on waste ground

Flowering spike

Close-up of male flowers with stamens

Female flowers with stigmas

Fruits with warts and teeth

Fruits with bigger teeth

Basal leaf