Contents
Description
Rumex Alpinus, commonly known as Alpine Dock, is a plant that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. It is native to the Arctic and high-altitude regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. This perennial plant has a basal rosette of leaves that are long and lance-shaped, reaching up to 20cm in length. It has a tall flowering stem that can grow up to 1m in height, with tiny yellow-green flowers arranged in clusters. The plant blooms from July to September and produces small, triangular seeds that are reddish-brown in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Rumex |
Appearance
The Alpine Dock has a striking appearance that makes it an attractive addition to any garden. Its basal leaves are long and lance-shaped, with a glossy green color and reddish-brown veins. The stem is tall and erect, with branches that grow towards the top. The tiny yellow-green flowers are arranged in clusters, and the plant blooms from July to September. The triangular seeds are reddish-brown and small.
Care Guide
To care for Alpine Dock, it is important to provide it with the right conditions. Here are some tips:- Water: Alpine Dock prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly, especially during dry periods.- Fertilization: The plant doesn’t require much fertilization, but it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring.- Soil: The plant thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Alpine Dock prefers full sun to partial shade, but it can also grow in shady areas.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Alpine Dock is generally a healthy plant, but it can be affected by some pests and diseases. Here are some common ones:- Rust: This fungal disease causes orange or brown spots on the leaves and stems.- Snails and slugs: These pests can eat the leaves and damage the plant.- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause stunted growth.- Leaf miners: These pests burrow into the leaves and create tunnels, causing the leaves to turn brown and die.
Habitat
Alpine Dock is native to the Arctic and high-altitude regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It can be found in rocky areas, meadows, and along streams and rivers. The plant prefers moist soil and can tolerate cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Alpine Dock a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Alpine Dock is relatively easy to grow and doesn’t require much maintenance.Q: Can Alpine Dock grow in containers?
A: Yes, Alpine Dock can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.Q: Does Alpine Dock have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, Alpine Dock has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, skin disorders, and respiratory problems.Q: Can Alpine Dock be propagated from seeds?
A: Yes, Alpine Dock can be propagated from seeds, which should be sown in early spring.
Related Plants
– Rumex acetosa (Common Sorrel)- Rumex crispus (Curly Dock)- Rumex obtusifolius (Bitter Dock)- Rumex sanguineus (Red-veined Dock)
References
– “Rumex alpinus.” Plants for a Future. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rumex+alpinus- “Rumex alpinus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b595- “Alpine Dock.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/16047/Rumex-alpinus/Details
