Fiddle Dock
Rumex pulcher
Last reviewed: June 2026
Fiddle 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
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
KY
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Fiddle dock is a native perennial forb with distinctive fiddle-shaped leaves that grows 1-3 feet tall. It produces small greenish flowers from May through August and tolerates full sun with moderate water needs. This hardy plant spreads slowly and maintains a relatively compact form in garden settings.
In an HOA neighborhood
Fiddle Dock takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Can appear weedy or unkempt to unfamiliar viewers
- Flowers are small and inconspicuous
- May be confused with common weedy dock species
Wildlife value
While specific pollinator data is limited, fiddle dock likely provides some benefit to small native bees and other insects during its long blooming period. The seeds may also provide food for birds and small wildlife.
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 Fiddle Dock and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.