Rumex obtusifolius

Species category

Weed

Common name

bitter dock, bluntleaf dock

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

AcheneAchene:
A dry, hard, one-chambered, one-seeded indehiscent fruit, as in buckwheat (Fagopyrum) or sunflower (Helianthus). The fruit wall is not united with the seed coat.

Shape

ObovateObovate:
Inverted egg shaped with apical end the broadest.
; triangular in cross section.

Size

  • Length 2.2–2.5 mm
  • Width 1.2–2.5 mm
  • Thickness 1.2–1.5 mm

Color

Light brown

Texture

Smooth

Other structures

AcheneAchene:
A dry, hard, one-chambered, one-seeded indehiscent fruit, as in buckwheat (Fagopyrum) or sunflower (Helianthus). The fruit wall is not united with the seed coat.
margins have little or no recurving at the apexApical:
The distal end of the fruit or seed away from the point of attachment or attachment scar.
and base.

Identification notes

Calyx with callosities. Margins of calyx lobes have long teeth on the basalBasal:
The base of the fruit or seed opposite the apical end.
half.

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington

AOSA examination list

Not included

More information

For more information, see ISMA fact sheet, Rumex spp.

Nomenclature

Family

Polygonaceae

Valid name

Rumex obtusifolius L.

Synonyms

Acetosa oblongifolia (L.) Á. Löve & D. Löve
Rumex obtusifolius L. ssp. agrestis (Fr.) Danser
Rumex obtusifolius L. ssp. sylvestris (Wallr.) Rech. f.
Rumex obtusifolius L. var. sylvestris (Wallr.) Koch

 Rumex obtusifolius.  Achenes with margins of calyx lobes that have long teeth on the basal half.
Rumex obtusifolius. Achenes with margins of calyx lobes that have long teeth on the basal half.