Dock
Rumex crispus

Flowering dock

Immature dock

Lifecycle 

Perennial emerges from large yellowish taproot; also grows from seed.

Growth habit 

Basal rosettes of 6-12 in. long leaves.

Reproduction

Flowering stalks (right) grow up to 3 ft. tall and green, turning rusty brown, persisting through winter; seeds remain viable in soil up to 80 years; can produce from 100 - 60,000 seeds per plant.

Conditions that favor growth

Nutrient rich, heavy damp soils; adapts to dry, poor soils.