Water
Water consistently, especially during dry spells, to maintain evenly moist soil. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering in cooler months when growth slows.
Wood DockRumex sanguineus
Also known as Blood-Veined Rumex · Bloodvein Dock · Bloodvein Sorrel
- Category: Ornamental, Vegetable
- Type: Herb
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Consistent moisture, avoid waterlogging
- Temperature: Hardy
Wood Dock (Rumex sanguineus) is an attractive perennial with deeply veined, red-stemmed basal leaves, forming a striking clump. Ideal for borders and containers.
Wood Dock Care Summary
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Light
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, but can tolerate some shade.
Watering
Consistent moisture, avoid waterlogging
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment and dry periods. Reduce watering in winter.
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Temperature
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures. Prefers cool to moderate conditions. Can withstand frost once established.
Fertilizer
Low
25% intensity
Generally a light feeder. A single application of balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient.
Wood Dock Toxicity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Contains oxalic acid, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and kidney issues if ingested in large quantities, especially raw. Cooking reduces the oxalic acid content.
Wood Dock Quick Facts
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Plant Category
- Ornamental, Vegetable
- Plant Place Type
- Garden, Pot
- Lifespan
- Perennial
- Plant Height
- 0.3 - 0.6 m
- Spread
- 0.3 - 0.5 m
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Dormancy
- Semi-dormant
- Leaf Color
- Green, Red
- Leaf Type
- Simple
- Flower Size
- Less than 0.5 cm
- Optimal Sunlight Lux
- 60000
Care guide for Wood Dock
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Pruning
Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased stems. You can also cut back foliage to maintain desired shape and encourage fresh growth, particularly in spring. Deadheading can prevent unwanted self-seeding.
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in spring, either directly outdoors or in a protected environment. Division of established clumps in spring or autumn is another effective method for increasing plant numbers.
Repotting
Repot container-grown plants every 1-2 years, preferably in spring. Choose a pot with adequate drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. This ensures the plant has enough space and fresh nutrients.
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Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · SepPeak fruit · Oct
FloweringFruiting
Image Gallery
Photos of Wood Dock (Rumex sanguineus)
Wood Dock Names & Synonyms
Common names and botanical synonyms
Common Names
- Blood-Veined Rumex
- Bloodvein Dock
- Bloodvein Sorrel
- Bloodwort Dock
- Bloody Dock
- Red Veined Sorrel
- Red-Veined Dock
- Redvein Dock
- Wood Dock
Synonyms
- Acetosa sanguinea (L.) M.Gómez
- Lapathon sylvaticum Raf.
- Lapathum nemorosum Fourr.
- Lapathum sanguineum (L.) Moench
- Lapathum viride Gray
- Rumex auratus Sm.
- Rumex condylodes M.Bieb.
- Rumex integer Gand.
- Rumex microdon Gand.
- Vibones auratus (Sm.) Raf.
Wood Dock Taxonomy
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Caryophyllales |
| family | Polygonaceae |
| genus | Rumex |
| species | Rumex sanguineus |
Wood Dock FAQs
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
What are the soil requirements for Wood Dock?
Wood Dock prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types but thrives in fertile loam.
How much sun does Wood Dock need?
It prefers partial shade to full shade. In hotter climates, afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent leaf scorch.
Is Wood Dock invasive?
While Rumex species can sometimes spread, Rumex sanguineus is generally not considered highly invasive in most garden settings. Proper management can prevent unwanted spread.
How do I propagate Wood Dock?
Wood Dock can be propagated by seed sown in spring or autumn, or by dividing the root clumps in early spring.
Does Wood Dock attract pollinators?
The plant produces inconspicuous flowers that may attract some beneficial insects, but it is primarily grown for its foliage.