Scientific Family
Polygonaceae
Other common names
sand dock
dock
wild rhubarb
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
2 to 4 feet
Riparian
Yes
A very large set of basal leaves are produced in the spring from distinctly tuberous roots and short rhizomes. The plant sends up a stout, conspicuous flower stalk covered with tiny pinkish-red flowers, which are followed by showy reddish-brown seeds.
Basal rosette has large, thick, wavy leaves with a papery sheath around the lower stems. Pinkish-red flower head with compressed branches. Valves in fruit have 4 wings, 1/4 inch long or longer, with a notch in the top.
Habitat
Found on dry flats and along washes or disturbed areas, mostly in gravelly or sandy soil.
Plant Community
Riparian
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Disturbed Areas
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
0
High elevation
6000
Flower Characteristics
Dense spike cluster, 12 inches long, pointed at the tip and widest in the middle. The spike-like flower head is a cluster of many tiny flowers, each flower having heart-shaped sepals and petals.
Flower color
Pinkish-red
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
April
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leave are arching, tongue-shaped and have long stout stalks.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
3-sided, heart-shaped winged capsule, 1/3 inch long.
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit color
Reddish-brown