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Forest
A-Z
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Broad-leaved dock.
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| Scientific Name(s): |
Rumex obtusifolius.
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| Characteristics: |
A member of the polygonum family, this is a perennial plant with a branching taproot, and large, oblong leaves, which once established may be difficult to eradicate. Docks reproduce mainly by seed and each mature plant has the capacity to produce up to 60,000 ripe seeds every year. These seeds may remain viable in undisturbed soil for 50 years or more. The seeds are generally dispersed around the parent plant but may be carried distances by animals, machinery or water. They are known to survive unharmed in their passage through cows and can survive for several weeks in manure. Flowering occurs twice during the year, in late May or June and again in August or September.
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| Habitat: |
This plant is commonly found in fields and along roadsides in Ireland. The plant is a poor competitor and for this reason is usually found in more open areas or in newly established plantations. Broad-leaved dock is the most abundant dock in grassland here in Ireland, which may account for infestations in young forestry plantations, which were formerly pastures.
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| Control Methods: |
With non-chemical control methods, the emphasis is to prevent the spread of the seed. Frequent mowing or cutting encourages taproot vigour but does prevent seeding. Cultivation will destroy young plants and seedlings and remove mature plants, which should be collected and destroyed. Mechanical weed pulling can weaken the plant if carried out regularly.
R. obtusifolius is susceptible to glyphosate, triclopyr and glufosinate ammonium. Glufosinate ammonium is foliar-acting and may, therefore be less effective than the other two, which are translocated and may give better control of plants with deep roots. All three herbicides are best applied while the dock is actively growing and before flowering to prevent the spread of seed.
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| Uses: |
The root of R. obtusifolius yields a yellow dye, which was once used to dye wool. In parts of Scotland, the stems were used in basket making. It is known is some places as butter dock as its large, cool leaves were used in the country to wrap butter.
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| Legends and Folklore: |
Broad leaved dock is still a popular cure for nettle sting from which the well known rhyme;
Dock in, dock in, nettle out,
Get the sting and take it out.
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| Additional Information: |
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