Etymology: Rumex: the ancient Latin name for the docks or sorrels
Plants: erect, perennial, up to 5' tall, stout forb; stems unbranched below the inflorescence, often reddish; taprooted
Leaves: large, edges curled, larger ones with rounded to heart-shaped base
Flowers: yellow to greenish, 6-parted, stalk jointed near the base; inflorescence 10" branched clusters becoming dense with age and interspersed with a few small leaves; blooms June-Aug.
Fruits: dark brown, dry seed
Habitat: disturbed sites
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized; potentially invasive

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FAC+ WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin invasive species including decription, habitats, control methods USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Purple Sage - Ethnobotanical Information: Detailed usage, preparation, and other helpful information Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"