fiddle dock

Rumex pulcher

Member of docks (genus Rumex)
knotweed family (family Polygonaceae)
dicots (class Magnoliopsida)
red, other colors in flowering plants

---

• [easily recognized by the chaotically spreading branches of its inflorescence]
• perennial
• stem: erect to arching at tip, 2–6(7) dm, branched, slender
• leaf: blade 4–10(15) cm, (2)3–5 cm wide
• inflorescence: branches spreading
• pedicels: 2–5(6) mm, thick
• inner perianth lobes 3–6 mm, 2–3 mm wide except teeth, margin generally dentate (± entire) with 2–5(9) teeth, 0.3–2.5 mm, generally on both sides [illustration]
• 3(1) tubercles, generally warty
• common

Toxicity of dock, sorrel (Rumex spp.):
2b – These plants contain oxalate crystals but they do not cause immediate problems. These plants have tiny crystals that lodge in the kidneys and can cause kidney damage as well as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

---

Chris’s observations: 30 (1 is research grade)

Locations:

• Coyote Hills RP: 3
• Russian Ridge OSP: 3
• Sweeney Ridge National Recreation Area: 3
• Almaden Quicksilver CP: 2
• Calero CP: 2
• La Honda Creek OSP: 2
• Andrew Molera SP
• Coal Creek OSP
• Coyote Lake / Harvey Bear Ranch CP
• Dimond Canyon Trail, Oakland
• Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve
• Golden Gate National Recreation Area
• Joseph D. Grant CP
• Mission Peak RP
• Murray Ranch SP
• Máyyan 'Ooyákma Coyote Ridge OSP
• Pescadero Creek CP
• Santa Teresa CP
• Sibley Volcanic RP
• Sierra Vista OSP
• Wilder Ranch SP

Months:

• Feb.: 1
• Mar.: 1
• Apr.: 0
• May: 6
• Jun.: 9
• Jul.: 8
• Aug.: 2
• Sep.: 2
• Oct.: 1

For more details, use advanced search.

---

Taxon info: iNaturalist – Calflora – CalPhotos – Jepson eFlora – FNA

Bay Area species: iNaturalist – Calflora