Western Dock (Rumex occidentalis)

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

Rumex occidentalis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). It is not frost tender. 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. 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: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste, the native North American Indians would add oil to improve the flavour. — Young leaves - cooked.; Used like spinach.; A bitter taste, the native North American Indians would add oil to improve the flavour.; Young stems - cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist and swampy areas, summer-drying meadows, seacoast to foothills, valley and open montane flats. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)