PNW 398 • Reprinted July 1999 Curly Dock and Broadleaf Dock Rumex crispus L. and R. obtusifolius L. L.C. Burrill

urly dock (Rumex crispus L.) is a perennial. It does C not have creeping roots or rhizomes (Figure 1). Leaves DATE. are oblong to nearly lance- shaped, often 12 inches or more long, with wavy (crisped) margins (Figure 2). Erect, gener- OF Figure 2.—Leaves of broadleaf dock ally unbranched stems up to are more oval-shaped than leaves of 5 feet tall are produced in spring curly dock, which is more common in and flower in summer. the Pacific Northwest. Flowers are small, green, and OUT crowded in long clusters. At Northwest. It’s well suited to maturity, flowers become brown moist soils. As withIS most simple and remain conspicuous perennials, curly dock rarely is a through the winter. Individual problem in cropland that is fruits are enclosed in veiny tilled annually. winglike structures with smooth Broadleaf dock (Rumex edges. obtusifolius L.) is similar to curly Curly dock, a native of dock, but generallyinformation: has larger, Europe, is widespread and broader leaves, and one to three well recognized in the Pacific pointed teeth on the wing of the structure enclosing the fruit (the Figure 3.—The calyx enclosing the calyx; see Figure 3). In distribu- fruit of broadleaf dock (above) has three pointed teeth, in contrast to the smooth tion, it’s more or less restricted edges of the calyx of curly dock (below). to pastures and fields west of currentthe Cascades, primarily in PUBLICATIONcoastal counties. several years, so a 1-year Broadleaf dock was intro- rotation will provide little duced from Eurasia. control. For sparse infestations, using most a shovel to remove the crown THIS Control about 2 inches below the soil surface is a simple and effective Mechanical. Docks can be control. Mowing will prevent For controlled in areas commonly seed production and reduce top- used for perennial crops or growth of dock to allow more http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalogpastures by shifting to annual crops that require or accommo- date tillage. Seeds of both docks Larry C. Burrill, Extension weed Figure 1.—Curly dock is a common remain viable in the soil for scientist emeritus, Oregon State perennial plant in wet soil. University.

A Pacific Northwest Extension Publication • Oregon • Idaho • Washington complete grazing of forage In addition, detailed instruc- species, but it won’t control tions for herbicide use are pro- Use pesticides safely! dock. vided on herbicide container • Wear protective clothing and Biological. The docks aren’t labels and in other literature safety devices as recom- readily eaten by domestic provided by herbicide manufac- mended on the label. Bathe or livestock, which means that turers. shower after each use. intensive grazing serves only to • Read the pesticide label— reduce competition to the dock. even if you’ve used the There are no insects or disease For further reading pesticide before. Follow organisms available for use on Pacific Northwest Weed Control closely the instructions on the dock. Handbook, WEED (Oregon State label (and any other direc- tions you have). Because these weeds are University, revised annually). • Be cautious when you apply closely related to some economic $25.00 crops such as rhubarb and pesticides.DATE. Know your legal buckwheat, control agents To order copies of the above responsibility as a pesticide applicator. You may be liable would have to be highly host- publication or additional copies of for injury or damage resulting specific. this publication, send the from pesticide use. Chemical. In noncrop areas or publication’s complete title and OF in grass crops, there are several series number, along with a check herbicides that will selectively or money order for the amount control the docks. Selective listed, to: control in broadleaf crops or in Publication Orders OUT pastures containing clovers is Extension & Station Communications more difficult. Oregon State University Limited experience with 422 Kerr AdministrationIS selective applications of Corvallis, OR 97331-2119 glyphosate in a weed wiper was Fax: 541-737-0817 partially effective, but this We offer discounts on orders of practice requires that the dock 100 or more copies of a single title. be allowed to grow taller than Please call 541-737-2513 for price the crop. quotes. information: Herbicide registrations change frequently; therefore, World Wide Web this publication doesn’t contain You can access our Publications specific herbicide uses. Regis- and Videos catalog and many of tered uses are summarized each our publications through our Web year in the Pacific Northwest currentsite at eesc.orst.edu Weed Control Handbook.PUBLICATION

Figures 1 and 2 are by the author. Figure 3: Both drawings are reproduced, with permission, from La Rea J. Dennis, Gilkey’s Weeds of the Pacificmost Northwest (Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University, 1980); © 1980 by La Rea J. Dennis. PublishedTHIS and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914, by the Oregon State Univer- sity Extension Service, Washington State University Cooperative Extension, the University of Idaho Cooperative Exten- sion System,For and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. The three participating Extension Services offer educational programs, activities, and materials—without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, and disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status—as required http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalogby Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Oregon State University Extension Service, Washington State University Cooperative Extension, and the University of Idaho Cooperative Extension System are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Published January 1992. Reprinted July 1999. $1.00