Russian dock (Rumex confertus, Enum. Pl.: 397 (1809))

Family: Polygonaceae

Author: Willd.

Bibliography: Enum. Pl.: 397 (1809)

Year: 1809

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rumex

Vegetable: False

Observations: EC. & S. Europe to Siberia and C. Asia

Description

Russian dock, scientifically known as Rumex confertus, is a hardy plant belonging to the Polygonaceae family. First categorized in 1809 by the botanist Willd., this resilient species has made its home across a vast geographic range, stretching from Eastern and Southern Europe to the expanse of Siberia and Central Asia.

Characterized by its robust and remarkable ability to adapt to various environments, Russian dock thrives in diverse climatic conditions. The plant often inhabits disturbed grounds, roadsides, and riverbanks, where its deep root system allows it to tap into sub-surface water sources, aiding in its survival during dry spells.

The leaves of Rumex confertus are particularly notable. Broad and slightly wavy, they present a lush green hue, with mature leaves often growing quite large. These leaves not only serve as the primary photosynthetic surfaces but also play a role in traditional herbal medicine, where they have been utilized for their medicinal properties.

During its growth cycle, the Russian dock produces tall, erect stems that can reach impressive heights. These stems support clusters of small, greenish-white flowers that form dense inflorescences. As the season progresses, these flowers mature into reddish-brown seeds, which are easily dispersed by wind or water, facilitating the plant’s widespread propagation.

The adaptability and vigor of Rumex confertus also contribute to its role as both a beneficial and problematic species. In some regions, it is valued for its soil stabilization properties, preventing erosion with its extensive root networks. However, in other areas, its aggressive growth can outcompete native flora, making it an unwelcome invasive species.

Overall, the Russian dock is a remarkable example of botanical resilience and adaptability. Its extensive distribution across a variety of landscapes from Europe to Central Asia underscores its ecological versatility and significance.

Common Names

Eng: asiatic dock, russian dock
Deu: gedrungener ampfer
Pol: szczaw omszony
Lit: tankiažiedė rūgštynė
Lav: blīv
Est: hobuoblikas
Swe: idänhierakka, vippskräppa, vippsyra
Fin: idänhierakka
Nob: russehøymol
Nno: russehøymole
Ces: šťovík stěsnaný
Sme: nuortajuopmu
Fra: patience dense
Cym: tafol rwsia, tafolen rwsia
En: Russian dock, Asiatic dock, Աւելուկ
Hy: Ավելուկ
Az: At əvəliyi
Ba: Ат ҡуҙғалағы
Be: Шчаўе конскае
Zh: Mi sheng suan mo
Cv: Ут кăшкарĕ
Cs: Šťovík stěsnaný
Et: Hobuoblikas
Fi: Idänhierakka
Fr: Patience dense
De: Gedrungener Ampfer
It: Romice serrato
Kk: At qulaq, Ат құлақ, ات قۇلاق
Lv: Blīvā skābene, Blīv
Lt: Tankiažiedė rūgštynė
Se: Nuortajuopmu
Nb: Russehøymol
Nn: Russehøymole
Os: Хъоло
Pl: Szczaw omszony
Ru: Щавель конский
Sv: Vippskräppa, Idänhierakka, Vippsyra
Uk: Щавель кінський
Cy: Tafolen Rwsia, Tafol Rwsia

Synonyms

• Rumex alpinus var. subcalliger (Boiss.)
• Rumex patientia var. confertus ((Willd.) Trevir.)

Distribution

• Altay (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Alberta (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• North Dakota (introduced)
• North European Russi (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 31, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 1, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 16, 2022 by Will van Sprang (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2022 by Magdalena Kazulo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2022 by Magdalena Kazulo (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 9, 2022 by Alexander Baransky (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Alexander Baransky (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2022 by Alexander Baransky (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 16, 2022 by Marie-Claude Darnajou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Audrey Marsy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2888943)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:697000-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rumex confertus Willd.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth