Ontario Wildflowers website

Greater Water Dock
Rumex britannica
(formerly Rumex orbiculatus)

Other common names: British Dock, Great Water Dock, Water Dock

Other scientific names: Rumex orbiculatus

Family: Smartweed Family (Polygonaceae)

Group: Docks

Distinctive features: Dock-like seeds, surrounded with a heart-shaped wing.

Flowers: Summer;  Green/Brown;  Indistinguishable parts (petals);  Green/brown.

Leaves: Lower leaves 1-2 feet long.

Height: 1-2 m (3-6 ft)

Stem: finely ridged.

Fruit/Seeds: Seeds have heart-shaped wings.

Habitat: Wet Areas;  Swamps, marshes, wet meadows.

Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 404    Peterson's Field Guide to Wildflowers: 380    ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario: 340   

Native/Non-native: Native

Photographs: 23 photographs available, of which 4 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

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Greater Water Dock (Rumex britannica)

The overall form of this plant, in winter (February).

Greater Water Dock (Rumex britannica)

The seeds. Note the distinguishing feature, the heart-shaped wings around the seeds.

Greater Water Dock (Rumex britannica)

The seeds hang down in bunches.Note also the finely ridged stem.

Greater Water Dock (Rumex britannica)

A dead lower leaf, in winter.
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