Seasonal Wild Flowers

Marsh Dock

Rumex palustris

Polygonaceae

June to August

It is found mainly in the East Midlands, East Anglia, Greater

London and Somerset.

See the BSBI distribution map for Marsh Dock

It grows in damp, disturbed areas and where mud is

exposed when ponds, marshes and ditches dry out

in the summer.

Marsh Dock is a native biennial (or short-lived perennial)

herb, growing up to 1m, but usually less.

Flowers are in whorls widely separated at the base

but crowded towards the apex.

Male and female flowers are clearly visible.

The fruits have several setaceous (bristle-like) teeth.

Fruiting branches may turn red.

Lower leaves are oblong-lanceolate.

Upper leaves are linear-lanceolate.

The stem is erect and branched.

Marsh Dock, Dollis Hill Linear Park,

London

Reddish flower/fruiting spikes,

upper leaves

Male and female flowers

Female flowers

Separated whorls of fruits

Close-up of toothed fruits

Close-up (2) of fruits

Basal leaves