DOCK STUDY All Rumex species except R. maritimus L. Golden Dock and Rumex acetosella L. Sheep Sorrel are considered on the Weed Seed Order as Secondary Noxious. There is Rumex acetosa L. Vegetable Sorrel (cultivated) that is on Grade Table XX.

Rumex maritimus L. Golden Dock Polygonaceae

Shape Elliptic. Triangular in cross section. Yellowish-brown. Ridge angles acute. Both apex and base equally pointed. Surface Texture Smooth. Achene is very light colored and equally pointed at both ends with the ridge lines not recurving.

Rumex acetosella L. Sheep Sorrel Polygonaceae Shape is obovate, triangular. Reddish-brown. Achene mostly covered with rugose floral structures. Floral (calyx) parts are very rough and not winged. The achene is smooth and pointed at the apex and blunt at the base. The calyx usually persists and is rough textured. The achene has thin but rounded corners.

Rumex acetosa L. Vegetable Sorrel (cultivated) Polygonaceae Shape is elliptic, triangular in cross section. Reddish-brown, base tip is yellow. Ridges on the achene are acute and sharp. Surface Texture Smooth. The achene is free of most floral parts. The longitudinal ridges are sharp angled in cross section. Both apex and base are pointed.

Genus Rumex is comprised of some 200 species worldwide. They are quite a troublesome group because members easily cross-breed. The calyx of the ripe fruit is helpful (and often necessary) to identify the plant. All other Rumex species are considered to be Secondary Noxious in Canada. Here are four examples of them.

Rumex crispus Curly/Sour Dock Rumex obtusifolius Bitter/Broadleaf Dock

Rumex conglomeratus Cluster/Green Dock Rumex patientia Patience/Spinach Dock