Hastate-leaved Dock
Rumex hastatulus (ROO-meks hass-TAY-tuh-liss)
Rumex is the genus for about 200 species of docks and sorrels, which are annual, biennial, and perennial herbs in the buckwheat (Polygonaceae) family. Members of this family are very common with an almost worldwide distribution. Some members of this family are nuisance weeds, sometimes called dock weed, but some are grown for their edible leaves. Species of this genus also act as host plants for various butterfly types. Rumex hastatulus , or Heartwing Sorrel, is an annual or short-lived perennial herb-like plant, erect, weedy, with leaves that are mainly basal, alternate, and simple. Flowers tend to be small, red in color, and carried in terminal, branched clusters. The fruit of the plant is reddish brown. Leaves, flowers, and seeds of this plant are edible. However, if large quantities of leaves are not cooked properly, they can cause stomach cramps and nausea when ingested. Also, only collect plants for cooking from areas you know have NOT been treated with pesticides. The plants are typically found in disturbed areas in pastures, fields, and roadsides.
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 40 attributes.