Rumex sanguineus (Bloody dock)

Botanical name

Rumex sanguineus

Other names

Common sorrel , Sorrel dock, Bloodwort, Bloody dock, Red-veined sorrel, Red-veined dock, Red dock, Blood-veined sorrel, Blood veined sorrel

Genus

Rumex Rumex

Species

R. sanguineus - R. sanguineus is a herbaceous perennial with long, narrow, green leaves that are edible when young, and turning wider with red veins when mature. It has cream flowers that bloom in clusters on stems throghout summer.

Native to

Europe, Northern Africa, Southwestern Asia

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Clump-forming

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Colour

Flower

Red in Summer

Foliage

Green in Spring; Green in Summer; Green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Slugs

Diseases

Generally disease free.

General care

Pruning

Can be difficult to eradicate or control. Cut back after flowering and prior to seed setting to avoid self-seeding.

Propagation

This plant usually dies after flowering and producing seeds. However, seeds germinate easily and plenty of seedlings will grow around the original plant.

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Rumex sanguineus (Bloody dock) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.1m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Flavouring food and drinks, Wildflower, Wildlife

Cultivation

Plant in any well-drained soil in full sun.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Rumex sanguineus (Bloody dock)

Common pest name

Corn borer; Corn moth; European corn borer; European maize borer; European stalk borer; Maize pyralid

Scientific pest name

Ostrinia nubilalis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Present (Limited)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous boring pest present in the UK since the 1930’s. A maize-affecting race was detected for the first time in 2010. Industry may wish to monitor for its presence and mitigate against impacts.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/