Tropical Dock: A Wetland Plant for Specialized Gardens
If you’re looking to add some greenery to a wet spot in your garden, you might have come across tropical dock (Rumex obovatus). This perennial forb is one of those plants that serves a very specific purpose in the landscape world, though it’s not your typical garden center find.
What is Tropical Dock?
Tropical dock is a non-native perennial that belongs to the dock family. As a forb, it’s an herbaceous plant without any woody stems above ground – think of it as the garden equivalent of a soft-spoken relative who prefers to keep things low-key. Its obovate (egg-shaped) leaves give this plant its species name and help distinguish it from its dock cousins.
Where Does Tropical Dock Grow?
Currently, tropical dock has established itself in Florida and Louisiana, where it reproduces on its own without any human help. Since it’s made itself at home in these southeastern states, it’s clearly found the warm, humid conditions to its liking.
Should You Plant Tropical Dock in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting – tropical dock is what we call an obligate wetland plant in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain region. This means it almost always needs wet feet to thrive. If you have a consistently soggy area in your landscape that you’re not sure what to do with, tropical dock might be worth considering.
However, since it’s not native to North America, you might want to explore native alternatives first. Native wetland plants often provide better support for local wildlife and fit more naturally into the ecosystem.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to give tropical dock a try, here’s what it needs to be happy:
- Moisture: Consistently wet to saturated soil – this plant is not drought tolerant
- Climate: Warm, humid conditions (likely USDA zones 8-11 based on its current range)
- Soil: Any soil type as long as it stays wet
- Sun exposure: Likely adaptable to various light conditions, though specific preferences are not well documented
Best Uses in the Garden
Tropical dock works best in specialized garden situations:
- Wetland restoration projects
- Rain gardens (in appropriate climates)
- Bog gardens
- Naturalized wetland areas
- Areas with poor drainage that stay consistently moist
Consider Native Alternatives
While tropical dock can serve a purpose in wet gardens, consider these native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems:
- Native sedges and rushes
- Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
- Blue flag iris (Iris virginica)
- Native dock species like bitter dock (Rumex obtusifolius) where appropriate
The Bottom Line
Tropical dock is a specialized plant for specialized situations. If you have a wetland garden project and limited native options, it could work for you. However, given its non-native status and our limited knowledge about its long-term impacts, exploring native wetland plants first is usually the better choice for both your garden and the local ecosystem. Remember, the best plant for your garden is often the one that naturally wants to be there!
