Rumex salicifolius var. denticulatus Torr.                                                                         Polygonaceae (Purslane Family)                                                                                                                                                                   Native   California Dock

Plant Characteristics:  Annual, stems ascending to +/- erect; lvs. linear to lanceolate, margin entire, to 18 cm. long, petiole 4 cm.; infl. +/- open, interrupted, 15-30 cm.; fls. both bi- and unisexual on 1 plant; inner perianth lobes 6, persistent, 3-4 mm., outer 3 in fr. +/- inconspicuous, inner 3 enlarged, hardened in fr., teeth near base, short irregular, tubercles inconspicuous or 0; stamens 6, stigmas 3.

Habitat:  Moist places 0-3500 m. CA, especially montane and coastal: to Yukon, MT, Colorado, n Mex.  Blooms May-Sept.

Name:  Rumex, Latin name for sorrel. (Hickman, Ed. 892).  Latin, salicis, the willow and Latin, folium, leaf.  (Jaeger 104, 226).  Salicifolius refers to the willow-like leaves. (my comment).  Latin, dentis, a tooth and Latin, latus, the side or flank.  (Jaeger 78, 137).  Denticulatus refers to the toothed perianth lobes, which are located on the side of the flower. (my comment).

General:  Uncommon in the study area, found only at the upper end of Big Canyon near Jamboree Rd.  I had looked for this plant for many years, expecting to find it close to a watercourse.  Finding it in a relatively dry area was a surprise; although nearby Salix lasiolepis trees indicate a source of moisture. (my comments).     Highly variable, even within plants; intergrading complex, warrants detailed study.  Except for tubercles, very much like var. salicifolius.   R. californicus Rech.f.   Toxic in quantity to livestock; seldom eaten. Hickman, Ed. 892, 894.  

Text Ref:  Hickman, Ed. 894; Munz, Flora So. Calif. 708.

Photo Ref:  May 04 # 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A; May-June 04 #11.

Identity: by R. De Ruff, confirmed by John Johnson.

First Found: April 2004.

Computer Ref: Plant Data 550.

Have plant specimen.

Last edit. 8/14/04.

                                                     May Photos