Rumex patientia aka Patience Dock

Rumex patientia is a perennial in the Polygonaceae family. Garden patience and spinach dock are among its common names. Its native range runs from Iran to Tibet and the western Himalaya. It also extends from Nagaland in Assam to Myanmar. It grows in temperate climates and is not native to Britain or Ireland. In Britain, records place it on waste ground.

Plants reach about 5 feet (1.5 metres) tall. Their spread is about 1.6 feet (0.5 metres). The leaves provide a crop early in the year. In mild winters, gardeners may gather them as early as February. Flowers appear from June to July, and seeds ripen in August. Each flower has both male and female organs. Wind carries the pollen. The plant also feeds the caterpillars of many butterfly species. This gives it a wildlife role alongside its food use.

Garden patience is easy to grow in most soils. It prefers moist soil with moderate fertility and good drainage. A sunny site suits it best, though it tolerates light shade. It grows in sand, loam, and clay, including heavy clay. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 5–10. It also describes the plant as frost hardy. Sow seed in a cold frame in spring. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Plant them outdoors in summer, or divide established plants in spring.

People once grew this species for its edible leaves. Eat them raw or cook them as a spinach substitute. Their mild taste also suits a purée. Some cooks mix in sorrel to give more flavour. The leaves contain oxalic acid, so keep portions small. Large amounts can limit the body's uptake of minerals, including calcium. Cooking lowers the oxalic acid content. People prone to kidney stones or gout should take care. The same caution applies to arthritis, rheumatism, and excess stomach acid.

Records describe traditional medicinal uses, rather than proven treatments. These include root preparations for constipation and skin complaints. People also used the leaves for sore throats. Such records do not establish safety or effectiveness. Its supported garden uses centre on edible leaves and caterpillar food.