Rumex sanguineus 'Bloody Dock'

[Cultivated red veined form]

Polygonaceae: an upright, straggly and branched perennial to 1m. Found in grassy woodland rides and shady meadows. The flowers are in spikes apprising from June-August. The leaves are oval or heart shaped, and red veined. Widespread and common, but rare in Scotland. Native to most of Europe, including Britain, from Scandinavia south and east to North Africa, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

USES:

The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, these can used as a spinach substitute. They have a fairly mild flavour when young, they make a very acceptable spinach at this time and can also be added in moderation to mixed salads. The leaves soon become bitter with age.

The root has astringent properties. An infusion is useful in the treatment of bleeding. The root is harvested in early spring and dried for later use. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of several skin diseases.

GROWING INFORMATION:

A very easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils and preferring a moist moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position. Happy plants usually self-sow freely in the garden. Sow seeds in spring in situ. Easy. 

HARVESTED: 2021*

APPROX. 300+ SEEDS