Golden Dock

(Rumex maritimus)

Golden Dock (Rumex maritimus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Rumex maritimus, commonly known as Golden Dock or Seashore Dock, is an annual herb native to Europe and subarctic Asia. It is particularly adapted to saline and alkaline soils. This species is widespread across Canada and most of the 48 contiguous states of the U.S. Typically, it reaches a modest height of up to 2 feet (60 cm) and is characterized by its lance-shaped leaves and golden yellow or green/yellow inflorescences that appear in the summer months.

Golden Dock is valued for its ornamental inflorescences which can add a splash of color to water gardens or moist landscape areas. It is also of interest for its historical use in traditional medicine and as a food source, although it is not commonly used for these purposes today. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist or wet soil conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types, including those that are saline or alkaline. It thrives in full sun to part shade. While not a common garden plant, it can be used in naturalized areas or as part of a native plant garden where its environment can be mimicked. Care should be taken as it can spread rapidly in suitable conditions and may become invasive.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type:
  • Height: 1-3 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Freshwater and brackish marshes, shores of lakes and rivers, and wet meadows, particularly in saline and alkaline soils

Other Names

Common Names: Maritime Dock , Sea Dock , Bristle Dock

Scientific Names: Rumex maritimus , ? aureus , Lapathum aureum , Lapathum maritimum , Lapathum minus , Rumex acutus , Rumex anthoxanthus , Rumex anthoxantum , Rumex aureus , Rumex comosus

GBIF Accepted Name: