Swamp Dock
(Rumex verticillatus)
Swamp Dock (Rumex verticillatus)
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Mike Ostrowski
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Mike Ostrowski
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Mike Ostrowski | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Mike Ostrowski | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-04-11T08:26:16-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Rumex verticillatus, commonly known as Swamp Dock, is a deciduous perennial herb native to wetland areas such as marshes, swamps, and along the edges of ponds and streams in the Eastern USA. It typically grows about 1–1.5 meters (3–5 feet) tall and features a central stem that is often green but can also have reddish tinges. The leaves of Swamp Dock are large and lance-shaped with a wavy or curled edge, contributing to its distinctive appearance. The inconspicuous flowers, which have green tepals and six stamens that are yellow or white, appear droopy and are arranged in whorls along the flowering stem. The blooming period occurs in the summer, usually lasting a short two-week period. After flowering, it produces winged fruits that are initially green, turning reddish-brown as they mature.
Swamp Dock is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, wetland restoration projects, and naturalized areas. It is also a food source for certain butterfly larvae. This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and requires high amounts of water, making it suitable for areas with slow drainage. While it is not typically grown for ornamental purposes, its large leaves can add a lush, green presence to appropriate garden settings. Gardeners should be aware that Swamp Dock can spread aggressively in favorable conditions and may require management to prevent unwanted naturalization.CC BY-SA 4.0
Swamp Dock is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, wetland restoration projects, and naturalized areas. It is also a food source for certain butterfly larvae. This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and requires high amounts of water, making it suitable for areas with slow drainage. While it is not typically grown for ornamental purposes, its large leaves can add a lush, green presence to appropriate garden settings. Gardeners should be aware that Swamp Dock can spread aggressively in favorable conditions and may require management to prevent unwanted naturalization.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-5 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Green
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Slow
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Wetland areas such as marshes, swamps, and along the edges of ponds and streams in the Eastern USA
Other Names
Common Names: Water Dock , Patience Verticillée
Scientific Names: Rumex verticillatus , Rumex verticillatus var. salicifolius
GBIF Accepted Name: Rumex verticillatus L.