Water
Water consistently, especially during dry spells, to maintain evenly moist soil. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering in cooler months when growth slows.
Also known as Blood-Veined Rumex · Bloodvein Dock · Bloodvein Sorrel
Wood Dock (Rumex sanguineus) is an attractive perennial with deeply veined, red-stemmed basal leaves, forming a striking clump. Ideal for borders and containers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, but can tolerate some shade.
Consistent moisture, avoid waterlogging
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment and dry periods. Reduce watering in winter.
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures. Prefers cool to moderate conditions. Can withstand frost once established.
Low
25% intensity
Generally a light feeder. A single application of balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Contains oxalic acid, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and kidney issues if ingested in large quantities, especially raw. Cooking reduces the oxalic acid content.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently, especially during dry spells, to maintain evenly moist soil. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering in cooler months when growth slows.
Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased stems. You can also cut back foliage to maintain desired shape and encourage fresh growth, particularly in spring. Deadheading can prevent unwanted self-seeding.
Propagate by seed sown in spring, either directly outdoors or in a protected environment. Division of established clumps in spring or autumn is another effective method for increasing plant numbers.
Repot container-grown plants every 1-2 years, preferably in spring. Choose a pot with adequate drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. This ensures the plant has enough space and fresh nutrients.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Wood Dock (Rumex sanguineus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Caryophyllales |
| family | Polygonaceae |
| genus | Rumex |
| species | Rumex sanguineus |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data