Rumex obtusifolius, Broad-leaved Dock

Common Name: Broad-leaved Dock

Rumex obtusifolius, more commonly known as the Broad-leaved Dock, is a common plant that grows on waste ground, in hedgerows, gardens and roadside verges, and next to water all over the UK. An abundant perennial, flower spikes appear from June to October.

It is well-known to most of us as the herbal remedy for Stinging Nettle irritations, yet there are differing opinions as to whether it really works or not. It is a tall plant with very large, wavy-edged, oblong leaves that have red stems on their undersides. Flower spikes have numerous clusters of reddish-brown flowers.

Broad-leaved dock is one of the foodplants of the caterpillars of the Small Copper butterfly. Widespread and common in the UK.

https://www.uknature.co.uk is a website dedicated to showing the immense diversity of UK nature and wildlife. Our vast range of habitats, from lowland arable to snow covered mountains, from storm-ravaged coastlines to peaceful inland freshwater lakes and rivers, from dry, sandy heaths to deciduous and coniferous forests, all these habitats contribute to the abundance of UK nature. We have wild birds in huge numbers either residing or visiting our shores (597 recorded species as at July 2013) and we must also not forget the humble back garden with its grass lawns, flower beds filled with nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees, all designed to attract huge numbers of insects such as bees, moths, butterflies and hoverflies; and finally the small ponds which provide safe havens for frogs, toads, newts and even slow worms and grass snakes. www.uknature.co.uk is the showcase for my personal passion, photographing uknature in all its glory. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the fruits of my labours.