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Willow Dock

Rumex salicifolius

Last reviewed: June 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 (Rumex salicifolius)
Photo: Gordon Leppig & Andrea J. Pickart / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

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, PA

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeSierra NevadaCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California MountainsCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and Range

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.

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.

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