Rumex arcticus
Trautv.
Arctic Dock
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(c) Alexey P. Seregin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Alexey P. Seregin
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(c) Liz, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Liz
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no rights reserved, uploaded by Игорь Загребин
Description
Rumex arcticus is a PERENNIAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil.
Edible Uses
Tender young leaves and stems - raw or cooked. An acid flavour, they are sometimes used like rhubarb. They are also cooked as greens or eaten raw in salads. A good source of vitamins A and C. Seed - raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
Astringent. The astringent leaves and stems have been used in the treatment of diarrhoea.
Known Hazards
Plants can contain quite high levels of oxalic acid, which is what gives the leaves of many members of this genus an acid-lemon flavour. Perfectly alright in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since the oxalic acid can lock-up other nutrients in the food, especially calcium, thus causing mineral deficiencies. The oxalic acid content will be reduced if the plant is cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition.
Distribution
N. Europe.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation (Yakutia-Sakha, Krasnoyarsk, Jamalo-Neneckij avtonomnyj okrug), Russian Federation (Cukotskij avtonomnyj okrug, Kamcatskij kraj) NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Northwest Territories, Yukon, British Columbia), United States (Alaska) EUROPE: Russian Federation (Neneckij avtonomnyj okrug)
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. It is a plant of wet soils.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring.
Other Uses
Dye. Although no specific mention has been made for this species, dark green to brown and dark grey dyes can be obtained from the roots of many species in this genus, They do not need a mordant.
