American Golden Dock
Rumex fueginus
Last reviewed: June 2026
American Golden Dock is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 8"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AR, AZ, CA, CO and 30 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Rumex fueginus is a lesser-known dock species that forms clumps of broad, paddle-shaped leaves. This perennial produces tall spikes of small reddish-brown flowers during summer months. It tolerates partial sun conditions and prefers consistently moist soil.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Golden Dock takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Dock species often considered weedy by traditional gardeners
- Large leaves can look untidy as they age
- May self-seed aggressively
Wildlife value
The flowers provide nectar for small flies and beetles, though it's not a major pollinator plant. Seeds may attract some birds in late summer.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like American Golden Dock and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.