About Rumex verticillatus L.
Rumex verticillatus L., commonly called swamp dock, is a perennial herb that grows between 1 and 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet) tall. It produces a single central stem that is usually green in color. Its leaves grow in an alternate arrangement along the stem, reaching around 30 centimeters (12 inches) long and 6 centimeters (2.5 inches) wide. Petiole length gradually decreases from the lower leaves to the upper leaves of the plant. Swamp dock flowers have green tepals surrounding six central yellow or white stamens. The flowers have a drooping form and extend toward the base of the plant. Its blooming period occurs in summer, and is a short two-week window. This species grows from a taproot root system, and is pollinated by wind. Swamp dock is native to North America, where it occurs in Illinois, Iowa, Florida, Georgia, and other states in eastern North America. Its typical habitat includes the edges of vernal pools and streams in woodlands, swamps, soggy partially shaded islands, marshes, and roadside ditches.
