1 / 2
Overview
Rumex crispus is a taprooted perennial in the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae) reaching 24–48 inches (60–120 cm) tall with a 12–24 inch (30–60 cm) spread, arising from a stout, fleshy, yellow taproot that reaches 12–36 inches (30–90 cm) deep. Stems are erect, stiff, unbranched or sparingly branched, grooved. Basal leaves are lance-shaped, 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) long, with distinctly wavy-curled (crisped) margins — the primary identification feature and the source of the common name. Stem leaves are smaller, alternate, with papery ocreae at the nodes. Flowers are tiny, greenish, borne in dense whorls on elongated, branching panicles. Fruit is a triangular achene enclosed in 3 enlarged, heart-shaped valves (the inner tepals), each 0.12–0.2 inch (3–5 mm) long, usually with a single prominent grain (tubercle) on one valve. The fruit valves have entire (smooth) margins — a key distinction from R. obtusifolius. A single plant produces 20,000–60,000 seeds, viable in soil for 50–80 years. Contains oxalic acid; toxic to livestock in quantity. One of the most common perennial weeds in pastures, gardens, and disturbed ground in the Pacific Northwest.
Native Range
Native to Europe and western Asia, occurring in pastures, gardens, roadsides, and disturbed ground from sea level to approximately 8,000 feet (2,400 m). Naturalized across all 50 U.S. states and all Canadian provinces. One of the most common perennial weeds worldwide.Suggested Uses
Used in Polygonaceae identification courses for teaching the fruit valve morphology (entire margins, single grain) compared with R. obtusifolius (toothed margins). The curly leaf margin is a standard leaf morphology teaching feature. The fleshy yellow taproot is used in root morphology exercises. The 50–80 year seed bank longevity is a primary teaching example in weed seed biology, surpassed in this collection only by Malva neglecta (100+ years). Seeds are consumed by ground-feeding birds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowers from May through July. Dense, whorled panicles bloom from the base upward over 3–4 weeks. Wind-pollinated. Seeds mature by July in the Pacific Northwest. The reddish-brown seed stalks persist through fall and winter, remaining conspicuous for months.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Greenish, becoming reddish-brown at maturityFoliage Description
Dark green, lance-shaped with distinctly wavy-curled (crisped) margins; long tapering baseGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight