Bitter Dock
Rumex obtusifolius
From Nearctica
Alien: Native of Europe and northern Asia.
Identification: Flowers small, green, on short flower stalks, not hanging downward. Flowers arranged in terminal spikes and lateral branches. Fruit ovate with a small, central seed surround by papery wings with spiny outer margins. Upper and middle leaves elongate ovate, with petioles. Basal leaves large, broad, ovate. Plant 1 to 4 feet in height.
Distribution: Throughout most of North America.
Habitat: Bitter Dock is a weed found in a variety of disturbed habitats such as empty lots, fields, and along roadsides.
Flowering period: June to September.
Similar Species: The spiny wings of the fruit and the large, ovate, basal leaves are distinctive.
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