Curly dock (Rumex crispus L.)

A robust tap-rooted perennial growing 2 to 5 feet tall. Leaves are mostly basal, with curly or wavy margins, elongated, 4 to 12 inches long and lack hairs. Flowers are small and in dense, green, spike-like, terminal and axillary clusters. Inflorescences and even entire plants turn reddish-brown at maturity. Individual seeds are enclosed in a papery, sometimes corky, winged structure, 1/8 to 3/16 inch long, that facilitates distribution by wind or water.

Broadleaf dock (R. obtusifolius L.) can be distinguished by its broader leaves and the presence of 1 to 3 spines on the wing structure of the fruit. Rumex species are native to Eurasia. They are especially common in wet meadows, along ditch banks and in waste areas.
Non-standard names: sour dock and yellow dock.