Dock Plants (Rumex): To Grow or Not to Grow in Your Garden?
If you’ve ever wondered about those tall, spiky plants with broad leaves that seem to pop up everywhere from roadsides to meadows, you’ve likely encountered dock plants from the Rumex genus. These hardy herbaceous plants have a complicated relationship with gardeners – some love their rustic charm, while others see them as persistent weeds. Let’s dive into what makes dock plants tick and whether they deserve a spot in your garden.
What Are Dock Plants?
Dock plants belong to the Rumex genus and are characterized as forb herbs – essentially, they’re vascular plants without significant woody tissue that can be annual, biennial, or perennial. Think of them as the sturdy workhorses of the plant world, with their perennating buds nestled at or below ground level, ready to bounce back season after season.
These plants are incredibly widespread, growing across virtually all of North America, from Alberta to Alabama, and from Alaska to Puerto Rico. You’ll find them thriving in diverse conditions throughout the lower 48 states, Canada, and beyond.
The Native Status Dilemma
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit complicated). The native status of Rumex species varies significantly depending on your location. In Puerto Rico, dock plants are considered non-native species that have been introduced but now reproduce spontaneously in the wild. For most other regions, including Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, and the lower 48 states, the native status is less clearly defined, as the genus includes both native and introduced species.
What Do Dock Plants Look Like?
Dock plants typically feature large, elongated basal leaves and distinctive tall flower spikes that can reach impressive heights. The flowers themselves are small and often greenish or reddish-brown, arranged in dense clusters along the stems. While they might not win any beauty contests, they have a certain architectural appeal that can add structure to naturalized plantings.
Wildlife and Ecological Benefits
If you’re hoping dock plants will be wildlife magnets, you might want to temper your expectations. Research shows that dock provides only about 2-5% of the diet for various wildlife groups, including:
- Large animals
- Small mammals
- Water birds
- Terrestrial birds
These animals also use dock only sparsely for cover. While not a wildlife superstar, dock plants do contribute to the ecosystem’s overall plant diversity.
Should You Grow Dock in Your Garden?
This is the million-dollar question! Here are some factors to consider:
Pros of Growing Dock:
- Extremely hardy and adaptable
- Low maintenance once established
- Can add height and structure to wild or naturalized gardens
- Historically used for culinary and medicinal purposes
Cons of Growing Dock:
- Can become weedy and spread aggressively
- Not particularly ornamental
- Limited wildlife value compared to other native plants
- May outcompete more desirable native species
Garden Design Considerations
If you decide to include dock in your landscape, consider using it in:
- Wild or naturalized garden areas
- Meadow plantings
- Background borders where height is needed
- Areas where you want low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants
A Better Alternative: Consider Native Options
Given the mixed native status and weedy tendencies of many dock species, you might want to consider native alternatives that provide similar benefits but with greater ecological value. Research native plants in your specific region that offer better wildlife support and are less likely to become problematic.
Growing Dock Successfully
If you’ve decided to give dock a try, here’s what you need to know:
Growing Conditions: Dock plants are remarkably adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. They generally prefer moist soils but can handle drought once established.
Planting Tips: Since dock plants can self-seed aggressively, consider growing them in contained areas or regularly removing flower heads before they set seed to prevent unwanted spread.
Maintenance: These are low-maintenance plants that require minimal care once established. The main task is managing their spread if that becomes an issue.
The Bottom Line
Dock plants are tough, adaptable, and historically significant, but they’re not the stars of the native plant world. If you’re drawn to their rustic charm and don’t mind their weedy tendencies, they can work in casual, naturalized settings. However, for most gardeners interested in supporting local ecosystems, exploring native alternatives specific to your region will likely provide better results for both your garden’s beauty and local wildlife.
Remember, the best garden is one that reflects your personal style while supporting the local environment – and sometimes that means making tough choices about which plants make the cut!
