Rumex sanguineus 'Wood Dock'

[Ex. Co. Durham, England]

Polygonaceae: A short-lived perennial herb. Found in woodland margins and rides, hedgerows, roadsides and waste ground. Straight stems and panicle branches held at a more acute angle to the stem. Fruit with only one valve swollen. The narrow, green leaves become wider and often develop red veins as they mature. Common in England & Wales, less common in northern Scotland. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia 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 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.

HARVESTED: 2019

 

APPROX. 200+ SEEDS