Marsh dock (Rumex palustris, Fl. Brit. 1: 394 (1800))

Family: Polygonaceae

Author: Sm.

Bibliography: Fl. Brit. 1: 394 (1800)

Year: 1800

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rumex

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to W. Türkiye, N. Caucasus, NW. Africa

Description

Marsh dock, known scientifically as Rumex palustris, is a noteworthy plant species that holds a significant place in the Polygonaceae family. This species was first documented in the seminal work “Flora Britannica” by the esteemed botanist James Edward Smith in the year 1800.

Geographically, Marsh dock is native to a wide range extending from various regions across Europe to Western Türkiye, as well as the Northern Caucasus and North-West Africa. This distribution highlights its adaptability to diverse climates and environments, ranging from temperate zones in Europe to more arid conditions found in parts of its southern range.

The plant is typically found growing in marshy or wetland habitats, which is reflective of its common name. It thrives in moist, nutrient-rich soils, often populating the edges of rivers, lakes, and other bodies of freshwater.

Marsh dock is easily recognizable by its robust, leafy stems and elongated leaves, which contribute to its dense foliage. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are characteristic of the Polygonaceae family, arranged in clusters along the plant’s stems. These flowers eventually give way to reddish-brown seeds that facilitate the plant’s propagation.

Given its widespread presence across multiple regions and varied ecosystems, Rumex palustris plays an essential role in its native habitats. It provides cover and food for various wildlife species while also contributing to soil stabilization and water quality improvement through its root systems.

In summary, Rumex palustris, or Marsh dock, is a plant species of significant ecological importance, documented thoroughly in botanical literature over two centuries ago. Its broad geographic range and ability to adapt to various wetland environments underline its resilience and ecological value.

Common Names

Dan: sump-skræppe
Deu: sumpf-ampfer, sumpfampfer
Eng: marsh dock
Nld: moeraszuring
Fin: mutahierakka
Swe: mutahierakka, sumpskräppa, sumpsyra
Nob: myrhøymol
Nno: myrhøymole
Fra: patience des marais
Lav: purva sk
Ita: romice palustre
Cym: tafol y gors, tafol y llaid, tafolen y gors
En: Marsh dock
Bg: Блатен лапад
Cs: Šťovík bahenní
Da: Sump-skræppe
Nl: Moeraszuring
Fi: Mutahierakka
Fr: Patience des Marais, Oseille des marais, Rumex des marais
De: Sumpf-Ampfer, Sumpfampfer
It: Romice palustre, Rómice palustre
Lv: Purva skābene, Purva sk
Nb: Myrhøymol
Nn: Myrhøymole
Fa: ترشک باتلاقی
Sv: Sumpskräppa, Mutahierakka, Sumpsyra
Cy: Tafolen y gors, Tafol y Gors, Tafol y Llaid

Synonyms

• Rumex limosus var. palustris ((Sm.) Rouy)
• Steinmannia flavovirens (Opiz)
• Rumex uliginosus (Guss.)
• Rumex palustris subsp. uliginosus ((Guss.) Arcang.)
• Rumex maritimus (With.)
• Lapathum palustre ((Sm.) Gray)
• Rumex laxiflorus (St.-Lag.)
• Rumex paluster (A.Kern.)
• Rumex palustris var. nanus (Boenn.)
• Lapathum limosum (P.Renault)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• California (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Apr 5, 2021 by yisus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2020 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken May 4, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2020 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2021 by yisus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 5, 2022 by campos prado suely (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 9, 2022 by van Nes Egbert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2021 by yisus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2020 by Mezquita Esther (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Szymon Czyzewski (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Andy Radnor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2019 by Theo Verheijen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2020 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 4, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 2, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 1864 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4037603)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:697375-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rumex palustris Sm.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]

Soil nutriments: 8