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Rumex scutatus

Buckler-leaved Sorrel · French Sorrel

Family PolygonaceaeGenus Rumex

Sprawling stems with small arrow-shaped gray-green leaves and sprays of pink papery fruits, spreading over pale limestone chippings.
The whole plantThomas MathisCC BY-SA 3.0

About the plant

What it is and where it grows — not part of any germination protocol.

The plant

Habit
Annual, HerbExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Habit
perennialPlants of the World Online
Height
1.5-2 ft45-60 cmExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Spread
1.3-3 ft40-90 cmExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Flower
Green, Red/BurgundyExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Blooms
Spring, SummerExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Native range
Albania, Altay, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Corse and elsewhereGBIF Backbone Taxonomy
Hardiness zones
4-9Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Growing conditions

Sun
Full sun; Partial ShadeExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Soil
Clay, Loam (Silt), SandExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Moisture
Good Drainage, MoistExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Toxicity is noted only where a source states it. No note here is not a finding of safety.

Sources: Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — NC State Extension; Plants of the World Online — Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Global Biodiversity Information Facility.

Worth knowing

  • French sorrel is a culinary herb used in salads, soups and sauces, especially for fish. Its tart, slightly lemony taste comes from oxalic acid, and it can turn bitter later in the season. Wikipedia: Rumex scutatus

This source reports two treatments. Both are shown.

Protocol 1

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1998

Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around March 15, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.

  1. Sow and cover

    Temperature: 70°F 21°C Light: light

No stated waiting before sowing. Germination time not stated; 21 days assumed.

100% germination.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd Supplement — N. C. Deno, 1998 · 2nd Supplement, Rumex p. 59Public domain
Show the original text
Rumex (Polygonaceae). Germinations for the first six were about the same for seeds DS 3 y as for fresh seeds (seelst Suppi. for data on fresh seeds). R. scutatus DS 3 y were dead. These had germ. 70L(100%) abd 70D(38%) for fresh seeds showing that the 3 y of DS was fatal.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd Supplement, 2nd Supplement, Rumex p. 59. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 2

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1998

Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around March 15, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.

  1. Sow and cover

    Temperature: 70°F 21°C Light: dark

No stated waiting before sowing. Germination time not stated; 21 days assumed.

38% germination.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd Supplement — N. C. Deno, 1998 · 2nd Supplement, Rumex p. 59Public domain
Show the original text
Rumex (Polygonaceae). Germinations for the first six were about the same for seeds DS 3 y as for fresh seeds (seelst Suppi. for data on fresh seeds). R. scutatus DS 3 y were dead. These had germ. 70L(100%) abd 70D(38%) for fresh seeds showing that the 3 y of DS was fatal.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd Supplement, 2nd Supplement, Rumex p. 59. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

How each step is done, in Deno’s words, and what Verified and Derived mean.

Germination trials

Readers’ own records of sowing this species, published after review. Share your trial · All trials

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