Great Water Dock (Rumex hydrolapathum)

Family: Polygonaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Rumex hydrolapathum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - cooked. Seed - raw or cooked. It can be ground into a powder and used as a flour. The seed is small and rather fiddly to harvest. — Young leaves - cooked.; Seed - raw or cooked.; It can be ground into a powder and used as a flour.; The seed is small and rather fiddly to harvest.

Habitat & North American Range

Near ponds and streams, also in shallow water, avoiding acid conditions. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)