Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Polygonaceae

Genus:

Rumex

Species:

Rumex occidentalis var. tomentellus

USDA Symbol:

RUTO

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

200 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

green, red

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from deep taproots following fire; often increases in abundance post-burn in wetland margins.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers habitats near streams or wetlands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

7–21 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily with light and cool temperatures after stratification.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI