All of the species of subsect. Aquatici Rechinger f., represented in North America by Rumex occidentalis, R. arcticus, R. nematopodus, and R. tomentellus, form a taxonomically complex aggregate with poorly delimited, often intergrading species. Extremes are evidently distinct (e.g., R. arcticus and R. tomentellus). The taxonomy and distribution of members of this aggregate are still insufficiently known. Some authors prefer to treat all or most of these taxa as subspecies or varieties of R. aquaticus in the broad sense. From my point of view, this does not promote a better understanding of their variability and relationships.
A number of segregate species have been described and recognized in regional floras in North America. In most cases the features upon which these species are based intergrade. One of the most widely recognized segregates is Rumex fenestratus Greene emend. Rechinger f. [R. aquaticus subsp. fenestratus (Greene) Hultén, R. occidentalis S. Watson subsp. fenestratus (Greene) Hultén], which, according to K. H. Rechinger (1937), may be distinguished mostly by larger and more cordate fruiting inner tepals (more than 7 mm in R. fenestratus, usually less than 7 mm in R. occidentalis), and larger achenes (3 mm, and more than 3.5 mm, respectively). The morphotype of R. fenestratus occurs mostly along the Pacific coast from central western California to Alaska. Plants with large fruiting inner tepals [known as R. fenestratus var. labradoricus Rechinger f. or R. occidentalis var. labradoricus (Rechinger f.) Lepage] occur also in eastern Canada (Newfoundland and Quebec). In this treatment, I follow the taxonomic decision by J. E. Dawson (1979), who carefully analyzed the clinal variability of the R. occidentalis aggregate. However, R. fenestratus probably deserves recognition at least as a subspecies of R. occidentalis, but its taxonomic status needs additional investigation.
Rumex occidentalis was reported also from New Brunswick (which seems to be a rather natural extension of its range); however, the present status of the species in that province is uncertain.
Rumex occidentalis is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Polygonaceae.[1] Commonly known as western dock,[2] Rumex occidentalis can be found in parts of Western North America.
Western dock is considered a perennial plant as a result of its annual flowering and lifetime.[3] Adult plants can reach upwards of 180 cm (6ft).[1] Its leaves are partially persistent at maturity and hold a triangular, blade-like appearance with a truncate base. The stems are typically erect with pedicels no more than 3 times as long as the inner tepals. Its achenes are reddish brown and its flowers grow in whorls of 12-25.[3]
Western dock is native to North America and can be found in Western states such as California, Nevada, and Idaho.[3] It has also been found historically in Washington state. [4] It typically flowers during the late spring and summer months. Western docks need moist environments to thrive and are typically found in marshes, bogs, wet meadows, and other shallow water habitats.[3][1]
Western dock holds both nutritional and medicinal values. Medicinally, its leaves are used in herbal sweat baths to treat rheumatic pains. The leaves can also be poulticed into a root paste and used to treat open wounds, cuts, and boils. Nutritionally, the leaves, stems, and seeds are all edible. The young leaves of the western dock are cooked and used similarly to spinach. The stems are also cooked but used as rhubarb. The seeds can be consumed raw or cooked and are typically ground into a powder for seasoning or gruel. Consuming western dock in large amounts or uncooked is not advised due to the possibly high oxalic acid levels present in the leaves.[1]
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) Rumex occidentalis is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Polygonaceae. Commonly known as western dock, Rumex occidentalis can be found in parts of Western North America.
