Bitter Dock
Rumex obtusifolius
Synonyms: Acetosa oblongifolia, Rumex crispatulus, Rumex obtusifolius ssp. agrestis, Rumex obtusifolius ssp. sylvestris, Rumex obtusifolius var. sylvestris, Rumex rugelii
The photo above shows a good close-up of the
strongly toothed tepals of of bitter dock, which along with the size of the
plant (up to a meter in height), large, wide leaf blades (See below.), and perennial
habit with strong taproot identify this species. Unless otherwise indicated, all photographs on this page were taken along
Road #23 at the Mt. Adams Viewpoint, about one-half mile south of the intersection
with Road #8810.
The photo above shows the leafy bracteate panicle
which makes up the inflorescence of bitter dock.
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The upper (left) and lower (right) surface of the leaf blade of bitter
dock.
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Bitter
dock as seen on the southwest shoreline of Blue Lake, Dark Divide, Gifford Pinchot National Forest.........August 25, 2015.
Paul Slichter