Willow Dock (Rumex salicifolius)

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

Rumex salicifolius is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). 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. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - cooked. Used as greens. Stems - cooked. They can be peeled, then boiled with sugar and used like rhubarb. The stems can be baked, peeled and the inner pulp eaten hot or cold. Seed - cooked. — Young leaves - cooked.; They can be peeled, then boiled with sugar and used like rhubarb.; The stems can be baked, peeled and the inner pulp eaten hot or cold.; It can be ground into a powder and cooked with water until it has the consistency of a thick gravy.

Habitat & North American Range

Coastal sand dunes to river banks, lake shores, mountain meadows and rocky slopes. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)