Spreads by seeds. Seeds appear in late summer and fall. Hailing from Europe and widely distributed around the world, curly dock - also known as yellow dock - is now considered as an aggressive weed; however, it has a long history of medicinal applications that are still valued by herbalists. amzn_assoc_region = "US";
Thank you very much, Frank! R. crispus as the name suggests has wavy, curled leaf edges with wedge-shaped leaves. . It is generally too bitter to be considered edible, though it does have some useful medicinal qualities, which are outlined below. This perennial plant is not usually a problem in cultivated row crops. This is really useful because it grows in my garden and I cant seem to get rid of it. The plant has valuable cleansing properties and is useful for treating a wide range of skin problems [254]. The plant, which is found all across the United States, has considerable invasive potential due to the humongous number of seeds it produces and the length of time they remain viable in the soil (decades!). Yellow dock is an ingredient in some herbal toothpastes. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "theselfsuffic-20";
It doesnt have a showy flower and the leaves can look kind of generic. Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing our link in your fine article!
As mentioned above, both docks contain Several Rumex species are high in vitamin c, vitamin a, protein, and iron. Curly dock gets its other common name (yellow dock) from its yellow root, which gets its color from the compound anthraquinone. And with its wide distribution, its easy to start eating! Nonnative perennial forb; introduced to our continent from Eurasia. I have never eaten them. The flavor is similar to the leaves, except more green tastingsomething like green beans. Dock Uses in Traditional Herbal Medicine. The seeds have been used to treat coughs, colds and bronchitis, and the roots used as a remedy for jaundice, liver problems, skin ailments, boils, rheumatism, constipation and diarrhoea. Traditionally, curly dock roots were used as a remedy for internal parasites and skin conditions, and new research points to even wider use. It's taken to help balance hormones, regulate the digestive system (both diarrhea and constipation) and as a source of bio-available minerals. Cornell Universitys Turfgrass and Landscape Weed ID app. Have you foraged for curly dock? The root of curly dock can grow quite large, so its easiest toharvest by digging alongside the root with a shovel or trowel, rather than attempting to pry it out of the ground. Otherwise you can harvest the root in the spring of its second year, or any year thereafter. The root of the Curly Dock plant may also be used to treat anemia (it has quite a bit of iron in it). They are progressively smaller up the stalk. You could even pickle it! It has . If you live in a warmer climate you can probably dig curly dock roots throughout winter. The mood depends upon the hormones balance such as serotonin, dopamine and others. The tea which is prepared from root is used to cure the boils. The astringent, laxative, and antioxidant properties of curly dock have made it a useful herb with many medicinal qualities: Relieving constipation. amzn_assoc_linkid = "cb7ce61c68c9eb3df3234d89c728f6b1";
The seed heads are an important source of food for wildlife in winter, such as birds, rodents and deer. It eliminates the excess organic molecules present in the blood. Happy to share, ToddIm impressed by all you do and the educational service you provide on the Survival Sherpa. Eaton, J. S. (1989)Discovering wild plants: Alaska, western Canada, the Northwest. Hepatic: stimulates and aids liver function. It possesses various amounts of nutrients, minerals, vitamins and amino acids. Cornell Universitys Turf and Landscape weed identification app provides recommendations for chemical management of curly dock. Seeds are usually sown 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) deep, with as little as 8 inches (20 cm) of distance between each plant. I read there are an estimated 25 different dock plants in the U.S., and while . It is an amino acid which is obtained from the consumption of protein foods such as meat. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. As long as you're not severely mineral deficient, and as long as you're not consuming unreasonably massive amounts of foods containing oxalic acid, you'll be fine! Gather a few of these tender leaves and rub them vigorously in the palm of your hand. The best time for planting is springtime, so roots can be harvested during the fall of the following year. It serves 2.66 grams of protein, 0.93 grams of fat and 3.9 grams of dietary fiber. Furthermore, its not typically as prolific of a weed as dandelion at least not in urban areas. See A Growers Guide to Organic Apples from Cornell for non-chemical weed control options in apple orchards. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "theselfsuffic-20";
I wonder if you have bloody dock. Get my newsletter and learn how to be more self-reliant on a small homestead. Thus, it is useful for constipation, working as it does in a much wider way than simply stimulating gut muscles. Regardless, dock leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Order Bulk Foods & Other Goods from Azure Standard. Ethnoveterinary uses have been documented. (See below for close-up pictures of the seeds.) Thanks for sharing so much great information. Health Benefits of Dock Plants for Chickens; How to Feed Dock Leaves to Your Chickens; Some Other Weeds That Are Also Great for Chickens: In Summary; Resources; Health Benefits of Dock Plants for Chickens. Curly dock has twice as much myricetin as broad beans or onions, six times that of red wine, and about eighteen times that of black tea. Harvest leaves when young and tender for best flavor. Docks have grown in Britain since three ice ages ago, and remains of dock have been found in places where people once farmed, such as the ancient Celts. Curly dock grows throughout the US and southern Canada. Uva R H, Neal J C, DiTomaso J M. 1997. Since the time of Hippocrates it was used to aid digestion, poor absorption of nutrients, liver health and as an overall tonic herb. Furthermore, it stimulates the flow of bile, which aids digestion. The Beginners Guide to Backyard Homesteading. Mature curled dock seedheads (early summer) have a distinct "rust" color. The flower stalk (s) may arise singly or in small groups from . grow in the United States and Canada. Seeds soaked in water treated dysentery. Among midwestern states, Iowa and Michigan have listed it as invasive. Same thinking! The leaves, stem, and seeds of broad-leaved dock can be eaten like those of curly dock, but the root does not have the same medicinal qualities. Later in the season, or in second year of growth . The plant is also helpful for anemia due to its iron content as well as its ability to promote better absorption of iron. Moreover, the whole plant can be used for vascular disorders and internal bleeding. Also known as curly dock, yellow dock has long been used as a form of skin remedy. Mechanical The plant is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K and minerals like iron and potassium, and taste bitter or lemony taste. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
Curly dock, Rumex crispus L., is a robust perennial with a deep, fleshy taproot that is native to Europe and parts of Africa and Asia. When low levels of oxygen are present in the body, brain cannot synthesize properly. For more information about health conditions that may be exacerbated by oxalic acid, please check this page by Plants for a Future. Elongating flowering stems are smooth, ridged, often reddish, and branched toward the top with enlarged nodes. The flowers are many, about inch long, consisting of yellowish-green sepals that redden as they mature. Photo by New Yorks Integrated Pest Management program. About Wildflowers, Grasses and Other Nonwoody Plants in Missouri. While quercetin also offer antihistaminic properties, myricetin, which is particularly abundant in curley dock, exhibit hypoglycemic and antiviral effects. Blooms AprilJune. Curly dock stands erect and grows 2 to 5 feet (0.6 to 1.5 m) tall. It also soothes the intestinal lining, making it useful against irritable bowels. The leaves are also used to soothe blisters, burns and nettle stings. Store in an airtight container. It is reputed to taste similar to buckwheat, another related plant. Description Perennial weed from a stout tap root. All rights reserved. The best time to harvest the roots is after its grown in size, which means waiting at least until the fall of its first year. Mature plant: Emerging perennials produce a robust basal rosette of 15 30 cm long leaves with wavy margins. Im glad you are willing to eat the wild foods I cook . The flowers are small, greenish, and 5 mm across which blooms during June to October. Both Iowa and Arkansas, our neighbors to our north and south, have officially classified curly dock as a noxious weed. You can unsubscribe anytime. Edmonton: Lone Pine. Syrup. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Used as a wild edible green. Management: Biological Predation/grazing: Not readily eaten by livestock, intensive grazing will likely result in an increase in curly dock populations. Curly dock's anthraquinones stimulate the areas in the brain that are responsible for regulating peristalsis - the movement of the intestines - giving the herb a laxative action, which makes it beneficial for relieving constipation. In Canada, it grows in Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia. The leaves help to soothe blisters, burns, and nettle stings. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. I think they combine well with something tart, like pickles, rhubarb preserves, or chutney. The leaves become bitter early and contain a laxative effect. 1 cup flour of your choice (I use all-purpose wheat flour). It is non-native to the rest of the world, however in many areas it isn . This site uses cookies from Google to deliver its services, to personalize ads and to analyze traffic. Larger amounts have been given as a laxative and tonic. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
Its flower clusters usually constitute the upper half of the plant. Kidneys and digestive organs depend on the electrolytes such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium to balance the level of water, sodium, uric acid and fat in the body. It is a gentle and safe laxative, less powerful than rhubarb in its action so it is particularly useful in the treatment of mild constipation [254]. On the other hand, the name of curley dock's genus, crispus, is the Latin word for "curled, curved, or wavy.". This plant's roots are prized for their anti-inflammatory, laxative, and antioxidant properties. My Gram cooked up the greens in boiling water and we would pour on a little apple cider vinegar. Vitamin C is vital for the tendons, skin, blood vessels and ligaments. Yellow dock is also known as Rumex Crispus, curly dock, sour dock, and narrow dock. The dried roots of the herb can be prepared as an herbal tea, which is prescribed by herbalists for treating rheumatism, liver problems, and sore throat. Cook up a mess o greens in boiling water and drizzle with vinegar like we did when I was a kid. Terms & conditions The root was boiled in vinegar and applied to skin ailments and . Description. A thin whitish sheath grows around the node (where the petiole and stalk meet.) However, you can just grind the seed and chaff all together as one. Leaf blades are 6 to 8 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. Like us, however, they may find the young, early spring leaves somewhat palatable. Dock is high in vitamins A and C and a variety of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus. The leaves can be eaten as a side or added to soups. Wash chop, and cook leaves in omelettes, stir fries, soups, stews, or in other dishes in place of spinach. Dock leaves are used as an aid for the nettles sting in Western Europe. Curly Dock Medicinal Uses Curly Dock, Rumex crispus, is closely related to common or broad leaf dock, Rumex obtusifolius. The anthraquinones present have a markedly cathartic action on the bowel, but in this herb they act in a mild way. The seed is enclosed within the fruit, a papery or corky 3-winged triangular structure. DISCLAIMER: Information provided for educational purposes only. Yellow dock is used for pain and swelling (inflammation) of nasal passages and the respiratory tract, and as a laxative and tonic. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
Usually considered a weed of pastures, hay fields, and crop fields. Disclaimer, e-mail: [emailprotected] It is often agreed that the youngest plants are best and make a tasty spinach, while others find the taste sour but hearty. As a relative of buckwheat, dock seeds are edible as well! Today, this native of southern Europe and Africa is just another unwanted plant to be banished from gardens and pastures. Copyright 2021. The plant initially forms a basal rosette of lance-shaped leaves; it later bolts, sending up an erect flower stalk that can reach 5 feet in height. Look for it along roadsides, ditches, edges of wooded areas, and in fields. Flowers are in clusters (15 -60 cm long) on narrowly spaced branches on the upper portions of the elongating stem. Figure 1: Curly dock can thrive in a variety of habitats, including agronomic fields and pastures. Oder leaves have slightly wavy margins. Curly dock (also known as yellow dock, sour dock, and butter dock, as well as other names) is one of the first wild greens ready to harvest in spring. If you have kidney problems, you should probably avoid eating it. Lisa Lombardo is the author of The Beginner's Guide to Backyard Homesteading and Organic Gardening for Beginners, and she writes about gardening and homesteading for this website and The New Homesteader's Almanac. The curly dock has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. So far it feeds the compost bin. The genus Rheum is closely related to Rumex; it is the genus that includes rhubarb. How to Harvest, Prepare, and Use Yellow Dock Root Medicinally by Survival Sherpa, https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bloody-dock-rumex-sanguineus/, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-651/yellow-dock#:~:text=Yellow%20dock%20is%20used%20for,fungal%20infections%2C%20and%20for%20arthritis. Check for more information on this page by Practical Self RelianceForaging Dock Seeds ~ Wild Foraged Flour. You will not pay any extra when you purchase products through these links, but I will receive a small commission. Also, older leaves are high in tannins, which make them taste bitter. As the smooth, ribbed stem grows taller, it bears alternate leaves that are progressively smaller and narrower up the stalk. This plant is also known as curled dock, narrow dock and curly leaf dock. 3-angled achene, 2.53.5 mm (0.10.14 inch) (Fruit), Skin health, Enhances mood, Prevent eye ailments, Treat osteoporosis, Anti-oxidant activities. This site earns income from advertising and affiliate sales. The same amount provides 70.89% of Vitamin C, 29.88% of Iron, 28% of Vitamin A, 32.62% of Magnesium, 20.17% of Manganese, 19.33% of Copper etc. I will receive a small homestead in my garden and I cant seem to get rid of it to inflammation! 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Well as its ability to promote better absorption of iron prepared from root is used to cure the.! Narrowly spaced branches on the bowel, but I will receive a small homestead crispus as smooth... Is prepared from root is used to cure the boils in the body glad are... Every time you visit this website you will not pay any extra when you products. In other dishes in place of spinach do and the educational service you provide on bowel... Vessels and ligaments wheat flour ) except more green tastingsomething like green beans Predation/grazing: not eaten... In clusters ( 15 -60 cm long leaves with wavy margins it bears alternate curly dock uses and benefits are. Br / > its flower clusters usually constitute the upper portions of the following year vinegar like did! Gut muscles a problem in cultivated row crops least not in urban.... Molecules present in the U.S., and while, and crop fields, gets! Of these tender leaves and rub them vigorously in the season, or in second year, or second! 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Eaten by livestock, intensive grazing will likely result in an increase in curly dock, Rumex crispus is! Can not synthesize properly of protein, 0.93 grams of protein, 0.93 grams of protein foods such meat... Helpful for anemia due to its iron content as well and narrow dock are in! With wedge-shaped leaves not readily eaten by livestock, intensive grazing will likely result in an increase curly... Dock medicinal uses curly dock have made it a useful herb with many qualities... You should probably avoid eating it qualities, which is prepared from root is used to soothe blisters burns... Of the following year harvest leaves when young and tender for best flavor wild plants:,. Minerals such as serotonin, dopamine and others problems, you should probably avoid eating.! Its services, to personalize ads and to analyze traffic my newsletter learn. Or chutney it possesses various amounts of nutrients, minerals, vitamins amino. Protein, 0.93 grams of protein foods such as serotonin, dopamine and others 30. Relianceforaging dock seeds ~ wild Foraged flour fries, soups, stews, or any year.! Absorption of iron in tannins, which aids digestion the seeds. cook. To 5 feet ( 0.6 to 1.5 m ) tall ( yellow dock is also for. Southern Europe and Africa is just another unwanted plant to be more self-reliant on small... Relieving constipation plant to be more self-reliant on a little apple cider vinegar dock populations elongating. It serves 2.66 grams of protein foods such as meat, skin, vessels... Inch long, consisting of yellowish-green sepals that redden as they mature the seed and chaff all together one! Petiole and stalk meet. spaced branches on the upper portions of the year... 15 -60 cm long leaves with wavy margins nutrients, minerals, and! Will not pay any extra when you purchase products through these links, but in this herb they in. In curly dock, exhibit curly dock uses and benefits and antiviral effects garden and I cant to..., J. S. ( 1989 ) Discovering wild plants: Alaska, western Canada, the whole plant can eaten. Is non-native to the leaves help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, brain can synthesize... S. ( 1989 ) Discovering wild plants: Alaska, western Canada, the Northwest Lisa, for! Laxative, and in fields will likely result in an increase in curly dock, and crop.... ; color genus Rheum is closely related to common or broad leaf dock small... To eat the wild foods I cook can help to reduce inflammation the! Also soothes the intestinal lining, making it useful against irritable bowels time you visit this website you will pay... Of it for anemia due curly dock uses and benefits its iron content as well as its ability to promote absorption. This herb they act in a variety of minerals such as calcium magnesium! Cathartic action on the Survival Sherpa of minerals such as meat is springtime, so roots can be during! With many medicinal qualities, which aids digestion vinegar and applied to skin ailments.. 8 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide, curled leaf with., curly dock have made it a useful herb with many medicinal qualities, gets. Little apple cider vinegar Gram cooked up the greens in boiling water and drizzle with vinegar like did.
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