Rumex pulcher
Polygonaceae
June to July
It is found mainly south of a line below the Wash.
See the BSBI distribution map for Fiddle Dock
It grows on dry, grazed and disturbed grassland such as,
roadsides, coastal pastures, commons and churchyards.
Fiddle Dock is a native, biennial or short-lived perennial
herb, growing up to 60cm.
Flower stems are nearly leafless and the floral whorls are
separated but get closer towards the top of the stem.
Only unopen flowers are shown here.
Fruits have ovate-triangular tepals with usually 4 distinct
teeth and 3 oblong warts, which are verrucose (rough)
when older.
The lower leaves are waisted (fiddle-shaped) and the
upper leaves, ovate-lanceolate.
Stems are branched, often at right angles, and may
become tangled later in the year.
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Fiddle Dock in path verge, Dorset
Branched flower stem -
unopened flowers
Spaced flower/fruit whorls -
closer towards top
Whorls of female flowers - stigmas
Close-up of female flower
Female flowers - white stigmas
Male flowers - yellow anthers
Close-up of style with stigmas
and immature anthers
Toothed fruits
Close-up of fruit - wart and appendages
Lower, fiddle-shaped leaves
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