This is a plant I would expect to find near boulders streams or on damp ledges in mountain or hilly country. At first glance it the flower tells you it is probably a dock but the leaves which are large and kidney shaped are quite distinctive. Like Rumex acetosa (Common Sorrel) the leaves of this species can be eaten as a salad. The tart flavour is due to both Vitamin C and Oxalic acid the latter of which can be poisonous in large enough concentrations.

Apart from the Lake district and in Snowdonia, this is largely a Scottish plant with a tendency to be found in the west. There are a few sites in the hills of Ireland.

Coire an t-Sneachda, Cairngorms 18th July 2007 RHS: CWm Idwal 25th July 2002

Added on December 23rd 2004, updated 25th January 2011