Curly dock

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Curly dock in fruit

Curly dock inflorescence

Curly dock valves

Curly dock

Curly dock flowers

Curly dock leaves

Curly dock inflorescence in fruit

Curly dock

Morphology

Stem

Erect, single or in groups, stout, unbranched below inflorescence, glabrous, often reddish.

Leaves

Alternate, simple, mostly basal, dark green, oblong-lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, 6 to 12 inches long, 1 to 4 inches wide, prominent midvein; margins wavy curled (crisped); tip pointed; base rounded or nearly heart-shaped; conspicuous stipular membrane sheaths stem at bases of leaves; basal leaf stalks 1 to 5 inches long; stem leaves reduced in size.

Inflorescence

Panicle of whorled racemes, large, to 14+ inches long, densely flowered, terminal; branches many, erect or closely ascending; greenish or pinkish at flowering; reddish-brown in fruit.

Flower

Perianth segments 6, in 2 whorls of 3, united basally, more or less alike at flowering, greenish or pinkish, becoming reddish-brown with age; outer whorl small, not turned downward in fruit; inner whorl enlarging, segments called "valves"; valves heart-shaped to triangular, 1/6 to 1/5 inch long and wide; margins mostly entire; each with small tubercle (wart-like swelling) 1/2 or less than 1/2 length of valve; stamens 6.

Fruit

Achene, 3-angled, reddish-brown, enveloped by valves; seed 1, small.

Ecology

Habitat

Open, moist disturbed areas, roadsides, abandoned feedlots and farmsteads, waste ground, fields, stream and pond borders.

Distribution

Throughout Kansas.

Practical Information

Toxicity

Toxic to sheep due to oxalate concentrations but not generally a problem unless large quantities have been consumed. Clinical signs include: depression, tremors, difficulty walking, excessive salivation, and labored breathing.

Uses

Native Americans used curly dock for a number of medicinal purposes. A poultice of mashed roots was applied to cuts, sores, and used to alleviate itching and rheumatism. A tea of the roots was used to treat upset stomachs and abdominal cramps. The leaves were rubbed in the mouth for sore throats. The leaves were sometimes boiled and eaten as greens and the seeds were a food source. Songbirds and waterfowl eat the seeds.

Additional Notes