Yellow Dock

Plant taxonomy classifies yellow dock as Rumex crispus.

Yellow dock is considered a broadleaf, perennial weed.

The picture at right shows the distinct flower-head of yellow dock, after the blooms have dried and turned brown. Click this picture to open the mini-photo gallery, where you'll see pictures of yellow dock's dark green leaves that will further aid you in identification. Note in particular the lanceolate shape and the curly edges of the yellow dock leaf in photo #2, from which the weed derives the nickname of "curly dock" (sometimes given as "curled dock" or "curley dock"; the species name, crispus is Latin for "curly"). Photo #3 provides some sense of the height the plant reaches at maturity (as much as 4 feet tall).

Yellow dock produces a long taproot. If you are going to try to dig it out, you must dig deeply, so as to remove the whole root; otherwise, as a perennial weed, the plant will re-emerge.

Yellow dock is indigenous to Europe but has become naturalized across much of the world. Yellow dock often grows in disturbed soils and is frequently found along roadsides, although it prefers humusy soils. In some states of the U.S., yellow dock is considered an invasive plant.

Has your skin ever brushed up against stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) while you worked in the garden? If so, you know about the burning sensation caused by their spines, followed by an itchy rash. Fortunately, yellow dock often grows near stinging nettle. Just roll a leaf of yellow dock between your thumb and forefinger to crush it, then doctor your wound with the juicy pulp left over and the burning will subside.

Yellow dock has, in fact, been used medicinally (for a number of ailments) for ages; but it's mainly the plant's root, rather than its leaves, that has been used in folk medicine. In fact, the common name, "yellow dock" refers to the yellowish color often found inside the root, when it is sliced open.

The yellowish root notwithstanding, the signature color of Rumex crispus, in my eyes, is brown. That's the color of the dried flower-head in fall; once you've identified it as yellow dock, you'll never forget this plant. I love its texture: if you grab the coarse brown spike and slide your hand along it, you'll come away with a handful of small, crispy flakes (the seeds and dried sepals). Makes me think of coffee grounds. Which is ironic since, as the Web site, Plants for a Future remarks, yellow dock's "roasted seed has been used as a coffee substitute."