Rumex alpinus
| Rumex alpinus | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 5 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 4' |
| Width: | 1' |
| Speed: | Moderate |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Rumex alpinus (common name: alpine dock)
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. The seed can also be sown as soon as it is ripe when it will germinate rapidly and will provide edible leaves from early spring the following year. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring. Division is easy at almost any time of the year, though the plants establish more rapidly in the spring[K]. Use a sharp spade or knife to divide the rootstock, ensuring that there is at least one growth bud on each section of root. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
Cultivation: A very easily grown and tolerant plant[K], it succeeds in most soils, preferring a moist moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position[1].
Hardy to about -20°c[2].
Alpine dock was at one time cultivated for its edible leaves, though it has now fallen out of favour to be replaced by less strong-tasting plants[3][1][K]. This is a pity because it is a very productive and useful vegetable and can produce its leaves all through the winter if the weather is not too severe[K].
A very important plant for the caterpillars of many species of butterflies[4].
Range: C. and S. Europe to W. Asia. Naturalized in Britain[5].
Habitat: Along the banks of streams and by the sides of roads, it is also found near human habitations, in hilly areas[6].
Edibility: Leaves - raw or cooked[7][3][8][9][10][11][12]. They can also be dried for later use[13]. A strong flavour, the leaves can be used in salads in late autumn to the spring, but are better cooked like spinach[K]. The fresh leaves can be available for most months of the year, only dying down for a short period in severe winters[K]. The leaves often become bitter in the summer[K]. In taste trials, this has proved to be a very popular autumn and spring cooked leaf, making an excellent spinach[K].
Medicinal: The root is astringent and laxative[14][6]. It has a regulatory effect on the digestive system, similar to but weaker than rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum)[14]. It can act either as a laxative or a cure for diarrhoea according to dosage[14]. The root is harvested in early spring and dried for later use[14].
Usage: Dark green to brown and dark grey dyes can be obtained from the roots, they do not need a mordant[15].
Pollinators: Wind
Notes: Many members of this genus are worthy of attention, especially our native docks, though we need to be aware of the potential of spreading weeds. This species is particularly interesting and does not self-sow (at least it hasn't in 8 years with us).
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Seed Ripens: Mid Summer-Late Summer
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: Plants can contain quite high levels of oxalic acid, which is what gives the leaves of many members of this genus an acid-lemon flavour. Perfectly alright in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since the oxalic acid can lock-
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Hedrick, Ulysses. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications, 1972.
- ↑ Carter, David. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan, 1982.
- ↑ Clapham, Arthur and Tom Tootin, Edmund Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press, 1962.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Launert, Edmund. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn, 1981.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Mabey, Richard. Food for Free. Collins, 1974.
- ↑ Lust, John. The Herb Book. Bantam Books, 1983.
- ↑ Douglas, James. Alternative Foods.
- ↑ Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ Loewenfeld, Claire and Philippa Back. Britain's Wild Larder. David and Charles.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ Grae, Ida. Nature's Colors. MacMillan Publishing, 1974.