Broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius) & Curled dock (Rumex crispus)

Broad-leaved dock thrives in high nitrogen environments, open swards and where there is heavy treading by stock. Curled dock occurs more commonly on arable and waste land.

Both species produce many seeds which can remain viable in soil for decades. Buds on pieces of tap-root broken by soil disturbance or treading will produce new plants. The two species are similar in appearance but leaf shape differs, as reflected in their names. Hybrids are common between the species and this can hinder identification. Flowering for both species is from late June until early autumn with inflorescences reaching over 100cm in height.

Control

Broad-leave dock

Seedlings: 
MCPB for grass clover reseeds.
Mecoprop or MCPA for grass reseeds without clover.

Established: 
Asulam for grassland with clover.
Fluroxypyr, 2,4-D, Triclopyr, or Thifensulfuron for grassland without clover.

Curled dock

Seedlings: 
MCPB for grass clover reseeds
Mecoprop

Established: 
Asulam for grassland with clover.
Fluroxypyr, 2,4-D, MCPA, Mecoprop or Triclopyr for grassland without clover.
Mecoprop or MCPA for grass reseeds without clover.