Someimes referred to as "curled dock", because of its twisting
leaves, Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) is native to Europe and
north Asia. Yellow Dock is found nearly worldwide and produces
copius quantities of seed each fall making it almost impossible
to eradicate. Early settlers and Indians utilized the entire
Yellow Dock plant.
The seeds were pounded into meal
for eating, while the roots were used for its health properties
and as a deep yellow dye. The leaves were prepared and cooked
like spinach, ornimentally displayed in flower arrangements and,
depending on their maturity, could produce either a red, gold or
dark green dye.
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