- Wildlife
- Wildflowers
- Broad-leaved Dock
northeastwildlife.co.uk
About
Broad-leaved Dock is a common plant that grows on waste ground, in hedgerows, gardens and roadside verges, and next to water all over the UK. An abundant perennial it is well-known to most of us as the herbal remedy for nettle stings, yet there are differing opinions as to whether it really works or not.
How to identify
Broad-leaved Dock is a tall plant with very large, wavy-edged leaves with red stems on their undersides. Flower spikes appear from June to October.
Where to find it
Widespread.
Habitats
When to find it
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Novermber
- December
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
How can people help
Many of our so-called 'weeds' are beneficial to wildlife, providing food for nectar-loving insects and shelter for minibeasts. Try leaving wilder areas in your garden, such as patches of flowers in your lawn, Stinging Nettles near the compost heap and Broad-leaved Dock in the vegetable patch, and see who comes to visit... To find out more about wildlife-friendly gardening, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there's plenty of facts and tips to get you started.