Rumex sanguineus aka Wood Dock

Taxonomy

Rumex sanguineus, also known as wood dock, bloody dock, or red-veined dock, is a perennial flowering plant species in the family Polygonaceae. Native to Europe, it has at least two varieties. This dicot plant features a tap-rooted, herbaceous perennial with mid- to dark green oblong leaves that have striking dark red veins. It forms a rosette and can grow up to 18 inches tall and wide. The plant is often cultivated for its decorative foliage, showcasing its medium green leaves that are prominently veined in red or purple. It is also sometimes grown in vegetable and herb gardens for its edible young leaves, which have a spinach-like taste. In early summer, branched, upright flower stems emerge, carrying tiny star-shaped flowers that start green and mature into a reddish-brown color. These flowers are followed by dark brown fruit. Overall, Rumex sanguineus adds both visual appeal and culinary interest to gardens and salads.

Common names

Wood Dock, Red Veined Sorrel, Redvein Dock

How to care for Wood Dock

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Wood Dock, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Wood Dock should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Wood Dock loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Wood Dock thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Redvein Dock.

Toxicity

Wood Dock is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

Once the Wood Dock has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Wood Dock displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.


More info:
Wikipedia