Curly Dock

Scientific Name - Rumex crispus L.
Family - Polygonaceae

Taprooted perennial with mostly basal leaves. Stem leaves alternate, with wavy to curled margins, tapered at the base. Leaf petiole joined to stem by a membranous sheath. Greenish flowers on long terminal spikes. Fruit reddish-brown with three wing-like projections. Reproduces by seed. Found throughout the United States. Also found in the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Broadleaf dock (Rumex obtusifolius L.) is similar but has leaves that are wide and heart-shaped at the base and lack wavy margins.