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Uses for Broadleaf Dock

Broadleaf dock, scientifically known as Rumex obtusifolius, is native to Europe, but can now be found all over the world, including the United States. Considered a weed, it grows in pastures, orchards, lawns, gardens and along roadsides. Broadleaf dock also goes by the name of bitter dock, celery seed and wayside dock.

  1. Description

    • The broadleaf dock generally grows between 1 and 4 feet tall with a taproot that can descend as deep as 5 feet underground. The plant grows in a rosette formation with green petals that turn red when the plant matures. The first leaves of the broadleaf dock are in round in shape. Later leaves grow to be twice as long as the are wide. Between June and October, the plant blooms with petal-less flowers that turn from green to brown as they mature. Broadleaf dock also produces small fruits, triangular in shape. Inside the fruit you fill find a rust colored seed, also triangular. Just one mature plant can potentially produce up to 60,000 seeds annually.

    Reproduction

    • Germination conditions vary between different broadleaf population and even individual panicles (branched flower cluster) on the same plant. The seed size, the thickness of the seed-coat and the time in which the seed ripened all affect what conditions it will need to germinate. Most broadleaf docks emerge between March and April and July and October. Seeds generally grow best with adequate light, fluctuating temperatures and nitrate. They do not compete well and will not flourish if they have to compete with other plant life for nutrients. Once the plant develops deep taproots, it can overwhelm shallow-rooted crops and grass, becoming difficult to eliminate.

    Toxicity

    • Generally not considered a poisonous plant, broadleaf dock does cause a mild skin irritation in some people. However, this plant may cause cattle or horses to become ill if them ingest high quantities of the leaves. Curly dock, a close relative of broadleaf dock, produces seeds that are toxic to chicken. If humans consume broadleaf dock, they may experience diarrhea.

    Uses

    • You can add young broadleaf dock leaves to your salad as greens. However, as the leaves age and mature, they take on a bitter taste. This plant is also used in folk medicine as a laxative and astringent. Some people use the leaves to treat burns, blisters and nettle stings. Other use the root to make tea as a cure for boils. Further research is needed to determine if these medicinal uses hold any validity.

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