Rumex sanguineus ~ Bloody Sorrel, Red-Veined Dock

Rumex sanguineus ~ Bloody Sorrel, Red-Veined DockBloody Sorrel is a small edible perennial herb that forms a rosette of elongated bright green basal foliage with striking red veining and stems. The red flowering stems sport green flowers that mature red in summer, but are often cut back to encourage foliage growth. The leaves have a tangy flavor with a slight lemony taste. Grows best in dry to average well drained acidic soil. An aggressive spreader if allowed to flower. Type: Perennial, Herb

Bloody Sorrel is a small edible perennial herb that forms a rosette of elongated bright green basal foliage with striking red veining and stems.  The red flowering stems sport green flowers that mature red in summer, but are often cut back to encourage foliage growth.  The leaves have a tangy flavor with a slight lemony taste.  Grows best in dry to average well-drained acidic soil.  An aggressive spreader if allowed to flower. 

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Low maintenance plant.  No serious pests or diseases.  Toxic to pets. Removing flower spikes will prevent self-seeding and promote bushiness. While edible, People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take caution if including this plant in their diet. It can aggravate those conditions.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Mass Plantings, Kitchen, Cottage Gardens, Containers, Pollinator Garden, Ground Cover, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Blueberry, Thyme,  Raspberry,

IMAGES: Dirk Ingo Franke, Hainampfer in topf 08.04.2012 13-17-55, CC BY-SA 3.0, (2) Y. Liu, Rumex sanguineus 149820938, CC BY 4.0, (3) Linda Snider, Rumex sanguineus close up, CC BY 4.0

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.