Western Dock
Rumex occidentalis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Western 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
24"–60" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, IA and 14 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Western dock is a tall perennial herb with broad leaves and upright flower spikes that turn rusty red in summer. It grows vigorously in sunny locations with moderate moisture and can reach 5 feet tall. The plant produces clusters of small greenish flowers followed by distinctive reddish-brown seed heads.
In an HOA neighborhood
Western 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.
- Very tall and can appear weedy
- Aggressive self-seeder that spreads readily
- Dock species often considered agricultural weeds
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals in fall and winter.
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 Western Dock and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.