What it is
Curly Dock (Rumex crispus) is in the Polygonaceae (Knotweed) family. Tangy young leaves like sorrel and a rusty seed stalk full of usable seed. A widespread, recognizable wild edible.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it any, and give it any soil. Target a soil pH around Adaptable. Expect roughly Spring leaves; fall seed. Perennial weed.
How it's used
Curly Dock is used: young leaves cooked; seed ground.
🔎 How to identify it
- Long wavy-edged ('curly') leaves
- Reddish-brown seed stalk
- Deep taproot
Edibility
PartsYoung leaves and seed
UsesYoung leaves cooked; seed ground
CautionContains oxalates; cook the leaves and eat in moderation.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.