PALE DOCK, Rumex
altissimus Wood. 1, lower part of plant; 2, upper
part of plant with seed head. Perennial, with large taproot, reproducing
by seed. Stems 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 m) tall, erect or ascending,
smooth, branched, arising singly or in groups from a fleshy crown. Leaves
at first in a dense rosette, 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) long, flat, ovate,
with smooth margins. Leaves on stem smaller, alternate, with heavy midribs,
smooth margins, and short petioles bearing papery sheaths surrounding the
stem. Flowers in clusters on branches at tip of stem, without petals,
small, greenish, becoming brown at maturity. Seeds 3-sided, brown,
shiny, surrounded by 3 heart-shaped bracts with smooth edges. Found
along roadsides, in pastures and new hayfields, especially in places with
moist rich soil. Also commonly known as smooth dock.