Curled dock

Fun Facts

• The pollen of all dock species is highly allergenic (hay fever).

• The plant roots up to three metres deep.

• The leaflets on the fruits serve as wings for dispersal by the wind.

• The flowering period is from June to August.

• It lives for several years and generally flowers and fruits annually (perennial plant).

• The flowers are pollinated by the wind. The male flower features either sit alone on a plant or they mature before the female flower parts. The separate position of the two sexes makes self-pollination within a flower impossible.

• Endangerment level Germany: not endangered
• Usage:

  In folk medicine, the roots are used against constipation and the tannin-rich fruits against diarrhoea.

• The curled dock is native and widespread in Germany. As a non-native species (neophyte), it is widespread in areas with temperate climates worldwide.

• The plant is slightly poisonous. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, cardiac arrhythmia, tremors and paralysis.