Rumex Species, Common Garden Sorrel, Redshank, Spinach Dock

Rumexacetosa

Genus
Rumex (ROO-meks)
Species
acetosa (a-SET-oh-suh)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Height
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color
Chartreuse (yellow-green)
Bloom Time
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Herbs
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
May be a noxious weed or invasive
Soil pH requirements
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season
Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

San Francisco, California

Bloomington, Indiana

Dry Ridge, Kentucky

Lansing, Michigan

South Lyon, Michigan

Chaska, Minnesota

Elmira, New York

Shandaken, New York

Jay, Oklahoma

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Seattle, Washington(2 reports)

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Gardener's Notes:

3
positives
2
neutrals
1
negative
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R
| May 2011 | negative

Contains moderate amounts of oxalic acid wich gives it it´s sour taste. Oxalic acid is poisonus so don´t eat to much.


A
Philadelphia, PA | May 2010 | positive

This is a very attractive plant that grows robustly with some sun and decent soil. It likes water. If in full sun I have found it grows...Read More

L
Seattle, WA (Zone 8b) | March 2007 | positive

This is a valuable and beautiful salad green. It has a sour green lemon taste. I love it!

K
Dry Ridge, KY (Zone 6a) | May 2005 | positive

Very early to rise in the spring, the leaves are awesome in salads giving a tangy lemon flavor.

U
U
Manhattan Beach, CA (Zone 11) | July 2003 | neutral

More commonly known as 'Sour Dock' because of its taste.

B
B
Baa
| March 2002 | neutral

A deep tap rooted perennial found over most of the Northern Hemisphere.

Has long, arrow shaped, mid-dark green leaves. Bea...Read More

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