curly dock
Family
PolygonaceaeScientific Name
Rumex crispus
Other Common Names:
narrowleaf dock
yellow dock
sour dock
Habit
This taprooted perennial begins germinating in late spring, continuing into fall if conditions permit. The plant then emerges in midspring, flowering from April through July.
Leaves
The plant produces a basal rosette of hairless leaves that are dark green with wavy margins. The alternate stem leaves are surrounded by a membranous sheath (ocrea), and are both smaller in size in number than the basal leaves.
Identifying Characteristics
This plant can be differentiated from the broadleaf dock by its wavy narrow leaves.
Flower Seed Head
Flowers occur in clusters 15 to 60 cm long on an elongated stem. The flowers are made up of greenish sepals that turn reddish brown as it matures.
Seed Fruit
The seeds are contained in a 2 mm long triangular, glossy brown achene. Achenes are found inside a triangular calyx, with papery structures surrounding it, allowing it to float on water.
Where Found
This plant prefers moist soil, and can be found in standing water, or areas that are frequently over watered. They can be found growing in low-lying meadows or pastures, orchards, and along drainage ditches.
Growth Habit
prostrate and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
pencil
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
red,
green
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
round,
lance,
oval
Leaf Arrangement
rosette
Leaf Margin
wavy
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
none
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
Varies:
fibrous,
taproot
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
present
Plant Type
Herb