Curly Dock: The Controversial Perennial That Divides Gardeners
If you’ve ever wandered through a meadow or vacant lot, chances are you’ve encountered curly dock (Rumex crispus crispus) without even knowing it. This tall, leafy perennial has quite the reputation – some gardeners love its rustic charm and easy-going nature, while others consider it nothing more than a persistent weed. So, what’s the real story behind this polarizing plant?
What Exactly Is Curly Dock?
Curly dock is a perennial forb, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s a non-woody plant that comes back year after year. Unlike trees or shrubs, it doesn’t develop thick, woody stems but instead grows from buds at or below ground level. This hardy character can reach impressive heights and has a knack for making itself at home just about anywhere.
Where Does It Come From?
Here’s where things get interesting – curly dock isn’t actually native to North America. This European and western Asian transplant has made itself thoroughly at home across the continent, establishing populations that reproduce and persist without any human help. You can find it thriving from Alaska to Puerto Rico, and it’s spread across virtually every U.S. state and Canadian province.
Should You Plant Curly Dock in Your Garden?
This is where gardeners tend to have strong opinions. Let’s break down the pros and cons:
The Case for Curly Dock:
- Extremely low maintenance once established
- Provides nectar for various insects during flowering
- Tall flower spikes add vertical interest to naturalized areas
- Reddish-brown seed heads offer autumn appeal
- Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-9
The Case Against:
- Non-native status means it doesn’t support native ecosystems as well as indigenous plants
- Can spread aggressively if conditions are right
- May crowd out more desirable native species
- Often considered weedy in appearance
Growing Curly Dock Successfully
If you decide to give curly dock a try, you’ll find it refreshingly undemanding. This adaptable plant tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and seems to prefer spots with consistent moisture, though it’s quite drought-tolerant once established.
The plant forms large basal leaves and sends up tall flowering spikes that can reach several feet in height. Give it room to spread, as it will naturally form colonies over time through both seeds and root expansion.
Care Tips:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Water regularly during establishment, then as needed
- Remove flower heads before seed set if you want to prevent spreading
- Divide clumps every few years to manage size
Native Alternatives to Consider
While curly dock certainly has its merits, you might want to consider native alternatives that provide similar benefits while better supporting local ecosystems. Look into native dock species in your region, or consider other tall perennials like wild bergamot, Joe Pye weed, or native grasses that offer comparable structure and wildlife value.
The Bottom Line
Curly dock sits in that interesting gray area between wildflower and weed. It’s not officially invasive in most areas, but it’s also not contributing to native biodiversity. If you’re drawn to its rustic appearance and bulletproof nature, go ahead and plant it – just be mindful of its spreading tendencies and consider pairing it with native companions. After all, every garden tells a story, and sometimes that story includes a few interesting characters from distant lands.
