Willow Dock
Rumex salicifolius
Last reviewed: August 2026
Rumex salicifolius (Willow Dock) is a native forb found in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Pennsylvania that blooms from May through July in full sun conditions.
Willow Dock is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (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"–48" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, NV
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Willow dock is a native perennial with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that resemble willow foliage. It produces tall spikes of small reddish-brown flowers in late spring through summer, followed by papery seed clusters.
Growing Willow Dock
Grow Willow Dock in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 6 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Willow 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.
- Considered weedy by most homeowners
- Seed heads can look untidy
- May spread aggressively in favorable conditions
Wildlife value
The flowers attract various small pollinators and beneficial insects. Seeds provide food for birds, particularly finches and sparrows.
Common questions
- Where does Willow Dock naturally grow?
- Willow Dock is native to Arizona, California, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, typically growing in areas with medium water availability.
- When does Rumex salicifolius bloom?
- Willow Dock produces flowers from May through July, displaying small greenish blooms typical of the dock family.
- What growing conditions does Willow Dock prefer?
- This native forb thrives in full sun locations with medium moisture levels, though it can adapt to varying water conditions from wet to dry sites.
- Is Willow Dock toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Willow Dock is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Willow Dock toxic to cats?
- Yes. Willow Dock is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Willow Dock HOA-friendly?
- Willow Dock takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 Willow Dock and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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