Western Dock
Rumex aquaticus
- Native to:
- Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Korea, Kuril Is., Labrador, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Ukraine, United States, Uzbekistan
Natalia Kazakova (www.inaturalist.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Polygonaceae
- Genus:
- Rumex
- Species:
- Rumex aquaticus
- USDA Symbol:
- RUAQ
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- green
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Chalceria rubida, Gaeides xanthoides
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, waterfowl
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moisture-retentive loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in wetland areas.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily with light and consistent moisture. Cold stratification improves germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Soak seeds in fresh water for 24 hours
Source: npn.rngr.net