Rumex verticillatus
Rumex verticillatus, or swamp dock, is a perennial flowering plant in the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae). It grows in wetlands across the eastern half of North America, often along vernal pool and stream edges, woodlands, swamps, soggy islands in partial shade, marshes, and roadside ditches.
The plant stands about 1 to 1.5 meters tall with a green central stem. Leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, about 6 cm wide and 30 cm long, with leaf stalks that get shorter from bottom to top.
Flowers are small, with green outer parts and six yellow or white stamens in the center, and they hang in a drooping fashion toward the base of the plant. It typically blooms in summer for about two weeks.
Swamp dock has a taproot and is pollinated by wind. It is found in Illinois, Iowa, Florida, Georgia, and other eastern states.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 15:35 (CET).