French sorrel, buckler sorrel, shield-leaf sorrel
Rumex scutatus is a perennial and sometimes evergreen plant that can reach a height of up to 30 centimeters and flowers in Central Europe from May to August. The plant, which belongs to the Polygonaceae family, is also used as a culinary herb and contains oxalic acid.
Its natural distribution range extends from Europe to Western Asia and the Caucasus. Rumex scutatus tolerates mineral soils and colonizes gravelly areas, gravel pits, quarries, railway embankments, and other locations.
I discovered some of the plants shown here in early December near an allotment garden, which is where I suspect they may have originated.
Rumex scutatus is suitable for planting on walls and gabions and can spread over large areas in favourable locations.
Characteristics & Description
Height, habit: Perennial herbaceous plant, 10 to 30 centimeters
Poisonous: Contains oxalic acid
Origin: Europe, Western Asia, Caucasus (map)
Habitats: Stony or gravelly slopes, quarries, gravel pits, gardens
USDA zone: 4 (-18.4 °F/-28 °C)
Botany
Family: Polygonaceae
Name: Rumex scutatus
Categories: Garden plants | Herbs | Wildflowers |
