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Plants that fill a similar niche:
Canna Flower
Thymus vulgaris Thymus vulgaris
Viola sororia Viola papilionacea
Rumex sanguineus has some common insect problems:
Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables
Red Sorrel

Red-Veined Sorrel Rumex sanguineus

Phonetic Spelling
ROO-meks san-GWIN-ee-us
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Bloody dock is a perennial native to Europe and parts of northern Iran.  It has beautiful deeply-veined leaves that offer both ornamental and edible value.

This plant grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil.  It naturally grows well in ditches as they are more likely to have consistent moisture.  While it grows tall stalks of flowers, these can be trimmed back to encourage bushier leaf growth and prevent rampant self-seeding.  Plant seeds in spring.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Herb & Flower Cottage Garden
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#edible plant#showy leaves#colorful leaves#pond margins#moist soil#well-drained soil#vegetable garden#herbaceous perennial#ditches#border planting#edible garden#edible leaves#clumping#container plant#perennial#annual#accent
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#edible plant#showy leaves#colorful leaves#pond margins#moist soil#well-drained soil#vegetable garden#herbaceous perennial#ditches#border planting#edible garden#edible leaves#clumping#container plant#perennial#annual#accent
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Rumex
    Species:
    sanguineus
    Family:
    Polygonaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Europe, N. Iran
    Distribution:
    Naturalized in parts of US and Canada
    Edibility:
    Young leaves are edible raw or cooked, having a tart flavor. Older leaves are bitter and tough. Less commonly grown for eating than other species.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Edible
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Vegetable
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Type:
    Achene
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Star-shaped flowers in early Summer on stems 2-3 ft. tall. Mature from green to red-brown.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Oblanceolate
    Oblong
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Deeply red-purple veined leaves.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Reddish flowering stem
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Pond
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Weedy
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    May cause mild stomach upset or irritate skin in those sensitive. Oxalic acid can bind to nutrients if ingested in large quantities, preventing absorption.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Oxalic acid
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Bark
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Seeds
    Stems