Mountain Sorrel

rumex alpinus

Also known as: ["Alpine Sorrel","Mountain Dock"]

Family: Polygonaceae Genus: Rumex Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to alpine regions, known for its acidic-tasting leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Polygonales
Family: Polygonaceae
Genus: Rumex
Botanical Name: Rumex alpinus

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: garden bed in partial shade
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed throughout the growing season; more frequently if used as a culinary herb.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; can be cut back by one-third to encourage new growth.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun in summer; adjust placement based on light intensity and season.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage); stunted growth (nutrient deficiency or compacted soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for signs of sunburn.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until drainage occurs; avoid waterlogging; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.

Soil

moist, fertile, well-drained loam

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil is not compacted; maintain consistent moisture; enrich annually with organic matter.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cold down to 20°F (-6°C) but thrives in cooler conditions.

Protect from frost in winter; avoid placing in drafty areas; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; adjust based on plant response.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of root clumps.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Keep moist and warm.
  5. Transplant once rooted.

Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut stems just above a leaf node or bud; remove yellowing or diseased leaves promptly.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or damaged foliage to improve air circulation and appearance; control size by cutting back overgrown stems.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape as needed; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for maintaining vigor.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; inspect roots; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the root zone precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once per week during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry partially between waterings.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or browning in prolonged cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration; roots can suffer damage in freezing conditions without protection.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect in containers by moving to sheltered locations; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may become stunted due to heat stress.

Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during growing season; monitor plant health.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Rumex alpinus can indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may be a response to environmental stressors like waterlogging or excessive sunlight.

Wilting in Rumex alpinus is typically a sign of water stress, either due to drought conditions or root damage that impairs water uptake.

Leaf spots on Rumex alpinus may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf loss if severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Rumex alpinus is often caused by fungal pathogens or bacterial infections, usually in conjunction with overly moist soil conditions.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are particularly sensitive to the oxalates in Rumex alpinus, which can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation and potential kidney damage. The plant's nitrates may also lead to methemoglobinemia in cats.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy pale gums difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Seek veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

In dogs, Rumex alpinus can cause gastrointestinal upset due to its oxalate content. Prolonged or large ingestion may lead to kidney damage or methemoglobinemia, a condition that reduces oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy pale gums difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Rumex alpinus contains oxalates and nitrates, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones and methemoglobinemia, respectively. The plant's high oxalate content can interfere with calcium absorption and cause severe gastrointestinal distress.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain weakness difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid consumption of any part of the plant. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and keep away from food preparation areas.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Rumex alpinus edible?

A: Yes, its leaves are edible and have a sour taste, often used in salads.

Q: Does Rumex alpinus attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers.

Q: Is Rumex alpinus toxic to pets?

A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities.

Quick Reference
Family: Polygonaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Sea Knotgrass
View
Moonseed Dock
View
Wright's buckwheat
View
White Buckwheat
View