Description
Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus | Red-veined Dock
Bloody Dock, also known as Red-veined Dock, Bloody Sorrel, Bloodwort, and Wood Dock, is one of about 200 species in the genus and is Native to Europe into southwest Asia and northern Africa where it grows in wet ditches and clearings. It’s an herbaceous perennial that produces a tightly packed rosette of leaves about a foot tall from a deep taproot. The medium green lanceolate leaves are attractive, being distinctively marked with an intricate network of deep red colored veins. In mild climates the foliage typically remains evergreen while the leaves will die back to the ground during harsh winters.
In addition to its ornamental virtues, the young leaves of this plant are edible and add interesting color and a spinach-like taste with a hint of lemony tartness to salads. However, some people may experience mild stomach upset after ingesting the leaves as they they contain oxalic acid so should not be ingested in large quantities. Older leaves become tougher and bitter and are essentially inedible by the time they are of mature size. Other species of Dock may be better culinary plants, like Rumex acetosa (Garden Sorrel) and Rumex scutatus (French Sorrel).
In late spring to early summer erect stems emerge, covered with smaller leaves and insignficant inflorescences of tiny, star-shaped flowers in a panicle. These wind-pollinated flowers turn from pale green to a reddish brown and are followed by dark brown fruits. As the inflorescence and flowers are not particularly attractive they are often removed to improve the plants overall appearance, promote bushier growth, and to prevent self-seeding. If allowed to go to seed, cut back hard afterwards to rejuvenate the plant.
Bloody Dock is a low maintenance plant, requiring little care and easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Best performance is with consistently moist soils. Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus can be planted as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage in border gardens, or herb or vegetable gardens. Or it may be used as an edging plant or as an accent to contrast with light green or purple-leaved plants. It looks great complemented by red or blue flowers and works well on the edge of woodland gardens, too. It does exceptional in rain gardens that are intermittently inundated, and can even be grown as a marginal plant around ponds, in a bog, or in other water gardens.
Sow seeds directly in the ground in spring or start indoors with heat, humidity, and light.
Type: Perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: 18 inches
Mature width: 18 inches
Hardiness zones: 5-10
