Greater Water Dock
Rumex britannica
(formerly Rumex orbiculatus)

Other common names: British Dock, Great Water Dock, Water Dock

Other scientific names: Rumex orbiculatus

Family: Smartweed Family (Polygonaceae)

Group: Docks

Distinctive features: Dock-like seeds, surrounded with a heart-shaped wing.

Flowers: Summer;  Green/Brown;  Indistinguishable parts (petals);  Green/brown.

Leaves: Lower leaves 1-2 feet long.

Height: 1-2 m (3-6 ft)

Stem: finely ridged.

Fruit/Seeds: Seeds have heart-shaped wings.

Habitat: Wet Areas;  Swamps, marshes, wet meadows.

Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 404    Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 380    ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario: 340   

Native/Non-native: Native

For more information visit: Ontario Wildflowers

Photographs: 23 photographs available, of which 4 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Greater Water Dock (Rumex britannica)

The overall form of this plant, in winter (February).

Greater Water Dock (Rumex britannica)

The seeds. Note the distinguishing feature, the heart-shaped wings around the seeds.

Greater Water Dock (Rumex britannica)

The seeds hang down in bunches.Note also the finely ridged stem.

Greater Water Dock (Rumex britannica)

A dead lower leaf, in winter.

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