Also known as Peach-Leaved Dock · Smooth Dock · Tall Dock
Pale Dock (Rumex altissimus) is a perennial herb native to North America, often found in moist areas. It has basal leaves and produces a tall, upright flowering stem.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but tolerates some shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially when young.
Loam, Sand, Clay, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures and is cold-hardy.
Low
25% intensity
Generally does not require frequent fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Pale Dock prefers consistent moisture, especially during establishment. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry.
Reduce watering in cooler months or once established, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Prune after flowering to prevent self-seeding and maintain a tidy appearance. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems at any time. Cut back foliage in late fall or early spring to encourage new growth.
Deadheading spent flower stalks is also recommended.
Pale Dock is typically propagated by seed. Seeds can be sown directly outdoors in early spring or fall. It can also be propagated by division of established clumps in early spring.
Transplant seedlings or divisions carefully to avoid disturbing the root system.
Repotting is rarely necessary for Pale Dock as it is a perennial that can be left undisturbed in the ground. If grown in a container and it becomes root-bound, repot in spring into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Pale Dock (Rumex altissimus)
Where Pale Dock (Rumex altissimus) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Rumex |
| Species | Rumex altissimus |
Similar in genus Rumex
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
