What is a Dock?
Within the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae), docks comprise a diverse group of plants belonging to the genus Rumex. While some are prized for their edible leaves, many are considered tenacious weeds due to their deep taproots and prolific seeding. Common docks are recognizable by their basal rosettes of large leaves, which can be broad, crinkled, or wavy-edged depending on the species.
Common Dock Varieties
- Curled Dock (Rumex crispus): One of the most widespread docks globally, its most prominent feature is its long, narrow leaves with distinctly wavy or crinkled margins. It is often found in disturbed land and fields.
- Broad-leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius): Identified by its wide, shiny leaves that have a heart-shaped base. This dock thrives in damper, richer soils.
- Bloody Dock (Rumex sanguineus): Also known as red-veined sorrel, this cultivated variety features decorative green leaves with striking red to purple veins.
What is a Sorrel?
Sorrels are a more specific group of edible plants within the Rumex genus. What primarily sets sorrels apart is their distinctive, tangy, and lemony flavor profile. This sour taste comes from high concentrations of oxalic acid in the leaves. Sorrels tend to be smaller than many common dock weeds and are cultivated as a culinary herb or leaf vegetable.
Popular Sorrel Varieties
- Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa): A classic garden herb, this variety has dock-like leaves with two distinctive lobes at the base. It is cultivated for its pleasant sour taste.
- Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella): A much smaller species that prefers acidic, impoverished soils. Its leaves have two spreading, basal lobes.
- French Sorrel (Rumex scutatus): Prized for its mild, tangy taste and more rounded, shield-shaped leaves, this variety is well-behaved and often preferred in culinary applications.
The Key Distinctions Between Dock and Sorrel
While they are close botanical relatives, several characteristics help differentiate docks from sorrels in the wild or garden.
Leaf Shape
Most sorrel leaves, particularly Common Sorrel, have two prominent basal lobes at the base, giving them a distinctive, arrow-like shape. In contrast, many dock species, such as Curled Dock, have broad, lance-shaped leaves with crinkled or wavy edges, and typically lack these basal lobes.
Flavor Profile
This is the most reliable way to tell them apart. Sorrel has a very noticeable, strong lemony or tangy taste due to high oxalic acid content. Many common docks, on the other hand, have a much milder, sometimes bitter or earthy flavor, and are not typically as palatable for raw consumption as sorrel. The flavor difference is often described as the key differentiator by seasoned foragers.
Growth Habit
Sorrels often form clumps or low-lying patches, especially smaller varieties like Sheep's Sorrel. Docks, particularly the weedier types like Curled Dock, are known for their deep taproots and can grow into larger, more robust, and solitary plants.
Comparison Table: Dock vs. Sorrel
| Feature | Docks (e.g., Curled Dock) | Sorrels (e.g., Common Sorrel) |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rumex crispus, R. obtusifolius, etc. | Rumex acetosa, R. acetosella, etc. |
| Genus | Rumex | Rumex |
| Flavor | Mild, earthy, or sometimes bitter | Distinctly tart, lemony, or tangy |
| Leaf Shape | Often large, wavy, and lacks basal lobes | Arrowhead-shaped with distinct basal lobes |
| Growth Habit | Can be large, robust plants with deep taproots | Typically smaller plants, sometimes forming clumps |
| Culinary Use | Young leaves can be edible, but often less palatable | Cultivated and prized as a pot herb and leafy green |
| Key Distinguishing Feature | Lacks the strong lemon flavor and basal lobes | Prominent tangy taste and arrow-shaped leaves |
Culinary Applications
While all sorrels are docks, not all docks are sorrel. This distinction is crucial for culinary purposes. Sorrel is specifically sought after for its unique sour flavor, which works well in soups, salads, and sauces. Many of the larger, weedier dock species lack this pleasant tanginess and are not preferred for culinary use, especially mature leaves, which can be bitter. However, the young leaves of certain dock species are edible, though not a substitute for sorrel's characteristic taste.
Foraging for Dock and Sorrel
Foragers must be careful to correctly identify their plants. The high concentration of oxalic acid that gives sorrel its flavor means it should be consumed in moderation. While most docks are harmless, some can have a bitter taste that makes them unpalatable. A reliable taste test on a small piece of a young leaf can usually confirm the species; if it's pleasantly sour, it's a sorrel. If it's just green and earthy, it's likely a common dock weed.
Conclusion
Is dock the same as sorrel? The simple answer is no. While all sorrels are species of dock, belonging to the same genus Rumex, the reverse is not true. Think of it like this: all lemons are citrus, but not all citrus are lemons. Sorrel is the lemon of the dock family. Their primary differences lie in their distinct leaf shapes and, most importantly, their taste. Sorrel offers a tangy, lemony flavor, whereas most common docks are milder and weedier. Knowing these key characteristics ensures that you can confidently identify and utilize the correct plant, whether for culinary or medicinal purposes, and prevent confusion in your garden and kitchen.
Further Reading
For more detailed botanical information on the Rumex genus and its many species, the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox provides an excellent resource.
Note: When foraging wild plants, always be 100% certain of your identification. If in doubt, do not consume it. While docks and sorrels are generally edible, there are many lookalikes and species with unpleasant flavors.
