Swamp Dock (Rumex brownii)

Family: Polygonaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Rumex brownii is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked. The leaves can be up to 30cm long and, cooked with their midrib removed, they make a fine substitute for leaf beet. The roasted root is a coffee substitute. — The leaves can be up to 30cm long and, cooked with their midrib removed, they make a fine substitute for leaf beet.; The roasted root is a coffee substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist places such as the banks of creeks, often in clay soils, in the montane and sub-alpine zones. Often found as a weed of damp lawns and pastures in Australia. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)