Willow Dock
Rumex salicifolius
Last reviewed: June 2026
Willow 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"–48" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, NV, PA
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
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.
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 Willow Dock and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.