Rumex sanguineus
Wood dock
Rumex sanguineus, commonly known as blood sorrel, is a perennial herb valued for its distinctive reddish stems and tart, acidic leaves. Rich in oxalic acid and Vitamin C, it serves as both a nutritious edible green and a traditional medicinal plant used to support digestive health and manage inflammation.
- Scientific name: Rumex sanguineus
- Family: Polygonaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Caryophyllales and the family Polygonaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Rumex.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Polygonaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Rumex | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Rumex sanguineus, is recognized by various regional common names across different languages. In Germany, it is referred to as Hain-Ampfer, while in the Netherlands, it is called Bloedzuring. Moving to Poland, the species is known as Szczaw gajowy, and in Sweden, it is identified as Skogsskräppa. Additionally, in West Frisian, the plant is known by the name Reade surk.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Hain-Ampfer | Wikidata |
| nl | Bloedzuring | Wikidata |
| pl | Szczaw gajowy | Wikidata |
| sv | Skogsskräppa | Wikidata |
| fy | Reade surk | Wikidata |
| bg | кървавочервен лапад | Wikidata |
| cy | Tafolen y coed | Wikidata |
| ar | حماض العيد | Wikidata |
| cs | šťovík krvavý | Wikidata |
| be | шчаўе крывянае | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the northern regions of the European continent. Within Northern Europe, it can be found growing in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Its presence also extends across the British Isles, including Great Britain and Ireland. Furthermore, the species is documented in the Scandinavian territories of Norway. Finally, it completes its northern range within the borders of Sweden.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as blood sorrel, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties. The stems are typically slender and upright, providing the structural support necessary for the plant to reach toward sunlight. Its leaves are broad and often characterized by a distinct reddish tint or wavy margins, which are frequently harvested for their nutritional and therapeutic qualities. Most importantly, the Rumex roots are highly valued in traditional herbalism, as they contain concentrated compounds that are extracted to treat various ailments.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Rumex roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Rumex sanguineus has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catechins, emodin, proanthocyanidins.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| catechins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| emodin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| proanthocyanidins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |