Rumex salicifolius, commonly known as willow dock or willow-leaved dock, is a perennial herb native to riparian zones, wet meadows, and seasonally flooded wetlands in western North America, particularly in California, Arizona, and Nevada. It has also been introduced to parts of Europe. Willow dock typically grows slender, prostrate, or erect stems up to 35 inches long and features willow-like leaves that can reach up to 5 inches in length, varying in shape. The plant’s inflorescence is characterized by clusters of small flowers, each with six tepals, blooming from June to September. The flowers are not particularly showy but are an essential part of the plant’s life cycle. Willow dock is a crucial food and host plant for the larvae of the Lycaena rubidus butterfly.

In cultivation, willow dock is valued for its adaptability to wet conditions and is often used in naturalized plantings or as part of a water garden. Its ability to thrive in moist soil makes it a suitable choice for riparian restoration projects. Gardeners should note that it prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions. While not commonly used for ornamental purposes, its ecological role and medicinal uses by indigenous peoples, such as the Zuni and Canadian Boreal Forest communities, add to its cultural significance. However, it can spread aggressively in suitable conditions, so care should be taken to manage its growth to prevent it from becoming weedy.CC BY-SA 4.0