PL. —Rumex obtusifoliusBotanical illustration — drop image
Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks
Winter
Not in bloom
Spring
Peak bloom
Summer
Peak bloom
Fall
Not in bloom
Peak bloom
In bloom
Background
Broad-leaved dock is a vigorous perennial native to Europe and naturalised across much of the world. It forms a deep taproot and a rosette of large, oval leaves, sending up tall flowering stalks bearing dense clusters of small greenish flowers that ripen to rusty-brown seeds.
Often considered a weed of pastures, gardens, and waste ground, it is remarkably persistent thanks to its long-lived seeds and stubborn root system. Despite its reputation, its leaves have a traditional use of soothing nettle stings, and it provides food for various insects and birds.
Care guide
SunFull sun to partial shade
WaterTolerates a wide range of moisture; thrives in damp, disturbed soils
SoilPrefers rich, heavy, nitrogen-rich soils but adapts to most conditions
Spacing30-45 cm
Height60-150 cm
Zone3a – 9b
Direct sowFrost hardy
spring
watchRemove young plants before the deep taproot establishes to prevent spread