IDENTIFICATION
Perennial.
Curled dock is a tall plant, 0.8 to 1.5 m in height, with numerous
tiny flowers in dense clusters, up to 60 cm long, covering the ends of
the stems. The plant's name comes from the dark green leaves which are
wavy and crisp along the edges. In maturity curled dock turns a
rusty-red colour. It has a deep penetrating, yellow
taproot.
DAMAGE
Curled dock can invade cultivated cropland, pastures, hayfields,
and disturbed areas. Seeds and vegetation are toxic to poultry and can
cause dermatitis and gastric problems in cattle. It is an alternate host
to many crop diseases.
HABITAT
It is adapted to moist to wet soils in open sites and can tolerate poor
drainage. In British Columbia, in addition to cultivated areas, curled
dock grows on riverbanks, especially those that have been disturbed.
It is found in every agricultural region of BC.
SPREAD
This weed spreads primarily by wind or water. Rough seedpods stick to
fur and feathers of animals. Cultivation disperses root fragments. Deeply
buried seeds can remain viable for
up to 80 years.
