Curly Dock

Rumex obtusifolius is easily recognizable by its very large leaves, some of the lower leaves having red stems. The edges of the leaves are slightly "crisped" or wavy. The foliage of the plant can grow to about 18 inches in height. The stems have nodes covered by an ocrea , a thin, paper-like membrane - a characteristic of the Polygonaceae family.

Large clusters of racemes contain green flowers that change to red as they mature. They are held on a single stalk that grows above the leaves and blooms June through September. The seeds produced are reddish-brown.

Seedlings can be identified by the oval leaves with red stems and rolled leaves sprouting from the center of the plant.

Rumex crispus - curly dock - is very similar in appearance but with thinner and wavier leaves. In more detail, the calyx of curly dock has smooth margins while the calyx of broadleaf dock has horned margins.