Dock — Broad-leaved

Rumex obtusifolius

Common pasture weed with deep taproot and broad leaves. Traditional folk remedy for nettle stings — rub the leaves on the skin — and a useful biomass plant for compost heaps.

Hardiness ratings

Dock — Broad-leaved hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 3–9 −40 °C to −1.1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 3–9 −34 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–5 −15 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Dynamic accumulator — iron and calcium, drawn from deep subsoil via the taproot
  • Young leaves are edible but contain high oxalic acid — eat in moderation and not at all if prone to kidney stones
  • Considered a weed in agricultural settings but valuable in composting systems
  • Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Dock — Broad-leaved against your zones

Reference

Dock — Broad-leaved on Wikipedia