Red-Veined Dock
Rumex sanguineusfam. Polygonaceae
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Pl. 02D7 — Rumex sanguineus
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IOverview
Overview
Red-Veined Dock (Rumex sanguineus) is a perennial herb found across much of Europe and into Central Asia, thriving in moist to light soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5. Native to regions including Albania, Austria, and Belarus, it has spread widely due to its adaptability. The plant is known for both its edible and medicinal properties; its leaves are often consumed as a leafy green vegetable. Red-Veined Dock also holds significance in traditional medicine, where it is used for various purposes. One distinctive feature of this plant is its red-veined leaves, which give the species its common name. Its hardiness ranges from zones 6 to 8, and it can grow up to 1 meter tall, making it a notable addition to gardens or wild areas.
Quick answers
What is Red-Veined Dock?
Red-Veined Dock (Rumex sanguineus) is a perennial herb found across much of Europe and into Central Asia, thriving in moist to light soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5. Native to regions including Albania, Austria, and Belarus, it has spread widely due to its adaptability.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Harmony
digestiontincture
Traditional use for digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Red-Veined Dock thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7–7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions and can grow up to 1 meter tall. This perennial plant requires full sun to partial shade and should be propagated by division or seed. The edible leaves are best harvested before the plant flowers for optimal flavor.
Light
4/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Red-Veined Dock for the first time
8steps
Start with Red-Veined Dock as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Red-Veined Dock plants or seeds, gardening gloves, trowel, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy with a pH of 7–7.5. Amend as needed to reach this range.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors and transplant when large enough to handle.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light shade during hot summer months. Water deeply once a week, depending on rainfall. Mulch to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flower heads to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's appearance. Harvest leaves as needed for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too heavy soil, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough shade during hot weather.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Red-Veined Dock leaves are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are typically prepared by boiling or steaming to enhance their flavor and texture. The leaves can also be used fresh in salads or added to soups and stews for a mild, slightly bitter taste.
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe21 regions
native (21)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)IranTurkey
Broader regions
native:Turkey-in-Europe, Transcaucasus, Yugoslavia, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Polygonaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Polygonaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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