Copse-bindweed
Black-bindweed Fallopia convolvulus HEIGHT to 1m
Extremely common, clockwise-twining annual that both trails on the ground and climbs among wayside plants. FLOWERS Greenish and rather dock-like, in loose spikes arising from leaf axils (July–Oct). FRUITS Nut-like, blackish. LEAVES Arrow-shaped, on angular stems. STATUS Widespread and common. Copse-bindweed F. dumetorum is similar but has much longer fruit stalks (4–8mm). Scarce.
Mountain Sorrel
Mountain Sorrel Oxyria digyna
Upright, hairless perennial of damp ground in upland areas; often found beside streams. FLOWERS Greenish with red margins, in loose, upright spikes (July–Aug). FRUITS Flat, broad-winged. LEAVES Entirely basal; rounded to kidney-shaped. STATUS Widespread and locally common in upland and northern areas.
Common Sorrel
Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa HEIGHT to 60cm
Variable perennial of grassy habitats. Whole plant often turns red as it goes over. FLOWERS Reddish, in slender spikes (May–July). FRUITS Nut-like with a small tubercle. LEAVES Deep green, arrow-shaped, narrow; tasting mildly of vinegar. STATUS Widespread and common.
Sheep’s Sorrel
Sheep’s Sorrel
Sheep’s Sorrel Rumex acetosella HEIGHT to 25cm
Short, upright perennial of bare, well-drained acid soils. FLOWERS Greenish, in loose, slender spikes (May–Aug). FRUITS Nut-like. LEAVES Arrow-shaped but with basal lobes pointing forwards; upper leaves clasp the stem. STATUS Widespread and common in suitable habitats.
Curled Dock leaf
Fruit
Morgan, Lee
Curled Dock
Fruits
Curled Dock Rumex crispus HEIGHT to 1m
Upright perennial of rough meadows and disturbed soils. FLOWERS Flattened, oval, in dense, leafless spikes that do not spread away from the stem (June–Oct). FRUITS Oval, untoothed, usually with a single tubercle. LEAVES Narrow, to 25cm long and with wavy edges. STATUS Widespread and common.
Northern Dock
Northern Dock Rumex longifolius
Upright perennial of disturbed ground, often beside rivers and roads, or near the coast. Rather similar to Curled Dock. FLOWERS Pale green, in narrow spikes. FRUITS Heart-shaped, lacking teeth and tubercles (July–Sep). LEAVES To 80cm long, broader than those of Curled Dock. STATUS Locally common only in central Scotland.
Smith, Don
Water Dock
Water Dock Rumex hydrolapathum HEIGHT to 2m
Large, unbranched perennial, associated with damp habitats such as ditches, river banks, canals and marshes. FLOWERS In tall, dense spikes (July–Sep). FRUITS Triangular, with few small teeth and 3 tubercles. LEAVES Oval, to 1m long, tapering at base. STATUS Widespread but absent from the north; commonest in S and E England.
Scottish Dock
Scottish Dock Rumex aquaticus
Similar to Water Dock but more slender and less branched. Associated with waterside vegetation but restricted to Loch Lomond. FLOWERS In tall, dense spikes (July–Sep). FRUITS Triangular, lacking tubercles. LEAVES Long, triangular, with a broad base. STATUS Found only along E shores of Loch Lomond.
Broad-leaved Dock
Fruits
Broad-leaved Dock
