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Broad-leaved Dock

©Northeast Wildlife

Broad-leaved Dock

©Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION

Broad-leaved dock

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Scientific name: Rumex obtusifolius
Broad-leaved dock is well-known to most of us as the remedy for Stinging nettle irritations. Often considered a 'weed', it can be found next to water or on disturbed ground almost anywhere.

Top facts

Category

Stats

Height: up to 1m

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

January to December

About

Broad-leaved dock is a common plant that grows on waste ground, in hedgerows, gardens and roadside verges, and next to water all over the UK. An abundant perennial, flower spikes appear from June to October. It is well-known to most of us as the herbal remedy for Stinging nettle irritations, yet there are differing opinions as to whether it really works or not.

What to look for

Broad-leaved dock is a tall plant with very large, wavy-edged, oblong leaves that have red stems on their undersides. Flower spikes have numerous clusters of reddish-brown flowers.

Where to find

Widespread.

Habitats

Did you know?

Broad-leaved dock is one of the foodplants of the caterpillars of the Small copper butterfly.