Species Detail Forb

Flower		Yavapai County Native & Naturalized Plants Rumex obtusifolius - bitter dock Synonyms: Actosa oblongifolia Other Common Names: curly dock Plant Form: Forb or Subshrub Family: Polygonaceae
Flower


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Leaves Patrick Alexander @http://swbiodiversity.org, Usage Rights: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA)	Plant Max Licher @http://swbiodiversity.org, Usage Rights: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA)	Seed pods Patrick Alexander @http://swbiodiversity.org, Usage Rights: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA)

Forb Plant Description

Origin: Introduced Life Cycle: Perennial
General Desc: Stout plant with stems that are erect and branched. Entire plant can turn reddish at maturity.
Identification notes: Stems 2 to 4 feet; leaf blades 8 to 16 inches, widely ovate to oblong, base generally heart-shaped; flower branches spreading at 30 to 45 degrees; inner perianth lobe of the flower triangular to narrowly ovate-triangular.
Height: To 4 feet

Habitat

Habitat Description: Sandy, riparian and disturbed areas.
Plant Communities: Riparian, Disturbed Areas
Elevation: 1900 - 5300 feet

Flower Characteristics

Color: Greenish-yellow Shape: Regular in elongated clusters Tubular: N Flowering Period: Jun - Sep
Description: Outer whorled segments of the flower are small and spreading. Flowers become reddish as they mature.

Leaf and Stem Characteristics

Leaf Color: Green Leaf Type: Simple Leaf Shape: Round or oval Leaf Margin: Lobed Leaf Attachment: Alternate Leaves Clasp: N
Hairs: No Spines: N
Leaf Description: The lower leaves are large, elongated and heart shaped. The upper leaves are smaller, slightly lobed and oblong. Stems are tough, reddish and slightly ridged.

Fruit and Seed Characteristics

Fruit Color: Brown
Fruit Type: Achene
Seed Notes: Individual seeds are enclosed in a papery, winged structure that facilitates wind dispersal.


	Arizona Cooperative Extension Yavapai County 840 Rodeo Dr #C Prescott, AZ 86305 (928) 445-6590	Version 8.0 http://cales.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php Last Updated: Dec 13, 2022 Content Questions/Comments: Email Matt Halldorson Legal Disclaimer