Rumex salicifolius
| Rumex salicifolius | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 2' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Rumex salicifolius (common name: willow dock)
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring.
Cultivation: We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. Plants should also be tolerant of maritime exposure. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Succeeds in most soils but prefers a deep fertile moderately heavy soil that is humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained and a position in full-sun or part shade[1].
Range: Western N. America - Alaska to California.
Habitat: Coastal sand dunes to river banks, lake shores, mountain meadows and rocky slopes[2].
Edibility: Young leaves - cooked[3]. Used as greens[4].
Stems - cooked[4]. They can be peeled, then boiled with sugar and used like rhubarb[4]. The stems can be baked, peeled and the inner pulp eaten hot or cold[4].
Seed - cooked[4]. It can be ground into a powder and cooked with water until it has the consistency of a thick gravy[4].
Medicinal: The roots are astringent, blood purifier, laxative, poultice and salve[4]. A decoction has been used in the treatment of severe constipation[4]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of stomach aches[4]. The mashed roots have been used as a salve on sore limbs and on chicken pox rash[4]. The dried, powdered root has been used as a dusting powder on sores and cuts[4].
Usage: Although no specific mention has been made for this species, dark green to brown and dark grey dyes can be obtained from the roots of many species in this genus, They do not need a mordant[5].
Pollinators: Wind
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure
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-
Links
References
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Hitchcock, Leo. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press, 1955.
- ↑ Schofield, Janice. Discovering Wild Plants.
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.
- ↑ Grae, Ida. Nature's Colors. MacMillan Publishing, 1974.