Scientific Family
Polygonaceae
Synonyms
Actosa oblongifolia
Other common names
curly dock
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
To 4 feet
Riparian
Yes
Stout plant with stems that are erect and branched. Entire plant can turn reddish at maturity.
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.
Habitat
Sandy, riparian and disturbed areas.
Plant Community
Disturbed Areas
Riparian
Low elevation
1900
High elevation
5300
Flower Characteristics
Outer whorled segments of the flower are small and spreading. Flowers become reddish as they mature.
Flower color
Greenish-yellow
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
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.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Lobed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit color
Brown
Individual seeds are enclosed in a papery, winged structure that facilitates wind dispersal.