Rumex obtusifolius

Introduced From: Europe and Asia (swamp dock is native)

Habitat: Marshes, drains and sodden soils. Swamp dock also in lawns and forests.

Uses: Leaves and leaf stalks edible cooked

Season: Best in winter and spring, before the plants form seeds (they are tougher afterwards).

References: Low (Weeds), Richardson and Shepherd

About Dock

Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaf Dock, is common in the Blue Mountains and many other parts of Australia. Docks have chracteristic seed pods (also called seed valves), and you can tell which species of Rumex it is by looking closely at the shape of the tiny pods (see photos below). The seed valves are green when they first appear, then eventually they turn a brown colour.

Photo: Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaf Dock. Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains NSW.

Photo: Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaf Dock. Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains NSW.

Photo: Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaf Dock. Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains NSW.

Photo: Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaf Dock. Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains NSW.

Photo: Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaf Dock. Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains NSW.

Photo: Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaf Dock. Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains NSW.

Photo: Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaf Dock. Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains NSW.

Photo: Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaf Dock. Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains NSW.

Artwork from Tim Low's book: The seeds of Common Docks. Left: Curled Dock (Rumex crispus). Middle: Broad-leaf Dock (Rumex obtusifolius). Right, Swamp Dock (Rumex brownii).

See Also

Australian Mammals
Australian Birds
Australian Reptiles
Australian Frogs
Australian Fish
Australian Spiders and Their Faces

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