
Rumex obtusifolius
Bitter Dock
'Bitter Dock' is usually considered to be a weed - and very common in all parts of Britain. It is possibly most famous for being an antidote for nettle stings - although there is no scientific evidence to support this! It has large oval to oblong leaves, lower leaves being heart-shaped and having wavy edges. The flowers in spreading branches, leafy below. It has white-green flowers that turn brown when they are pollinated.
Contributed by @wickl20
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Full sun to partial shade
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Very little water
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Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)
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All soil conditions
Common name
Bitter Dock
Latin name
Rumex obtusifolius
type
Perennial Herb
family
Polygonaceae
ph
6.0 - 7.5 Acid - Neutral
Plant & bloom calendar
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Best time to plant
full grown dimensions
Rumex obtusifolius
'Bitter Dock' is usually considered to be a weed - and very common in all parts of Britain. It is possibly most famous for being an antidote for nettle stings - although there is no scientific evidence to support this! It has large oval to oblong leaves, lower leaves being heart-shaped and having wavy edges. The flowers in spreading branches, leafy below. It has white-green flowers that turn brown when they are pollinated.
Planting
From Early Spring TO Late Spring
Plant out in any garden soil, in sun or partial shade, water in well and keep moist until established. It can be planted in large containers for ease of harvesting the leaves later. Use multi-purpose compost and keep well watered.