Rumex hastatulus aka Heartwing Sorrel

Rumex hastatulus is known as heartwing sorrel or hastate-leaved dock. It belongs to Polygonaceae, the buckwheat family. Its native range covers the central and eastern United States. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Kew places it in the temperate climate zone. It grows in disturbed ground, including fields, pastures, and roadsides. These open, disturbed sites form its recorded habitat.

This upright herb grows as an annual or short-lived perennial. It grows fast and can have a weedy habit. Most leaves sit near the base of the plant. Leaves along the stem grow in an alternate pattern. Each leaf has a single blade, rather than separate leaflets. The blades can be oblong or broader toward the tip. Their edges may be smooth or lobed, and they lack hairs. A thin, papery sheath often surrounds the stem above each node. The stems have no scent.

Small red to burgundy flowers appear in spring and summer. They grow in branched clusters at the stem tips. These clusters may take the form of a raceme. Some have a more spike-like shape. Each flower has radial symmetry and three to six petal-like sepals. Flowers also have three to nine stamens. The fruit is a small, hard achene that looks like a seed. It turns reddish brown and may have three sides. Some fruits have a lens-like shape instead.

In cultivation, heartwing sorrel needs full sun. This means at least six hours of direct sun daily. North Carolina State Extension classes its upkeep as low. It lists seed as the way to raise new plants. Its fast growth and weedy habit matter when choosing a site. The source describes it as both a wildflower and a weed. The supplied evidence gives no mature height or spread. It also gives no soil, watering, or cold-hardiness guidance.

The leaves, flowers, and seeds are edible, but caution is needed. Large amounts of poorly cooked leaves can cause illness. Symptoms include nausea, cramps, vomiting, and headaches. The leaves contain soluble calcium oxalates, and contact can cause dermatitis. The plant also poses risks to cats, dogs, and horses. Animal symptoms can include tremors and excess saliva. Kidney failure is rare in cats and dogs. Do not gather food plants from sites treated with pesticides.