Rumex L.
Leaf bases cordate, cuneate or rounded. Inner perianth segments leathery, often toothed, not inflated Rumex
Inner perianth segments with long teeth, with or without a tubercle
Flower clusters without floral leaves, except the lowest ones
Flower clusters distant, several-flowered
At least one of the valves with an oblong tubercle. Stem erect, with stiff upper branches spreading ± horizontally. Flower clusters 6–12-flowered. Perianth valves ovate-triangular, c. 5 mm long, reticulate, with 3–5 (rarely more) straight rigid teeth on each edge. Basal leaves oblong-cordate. Widespread. Weed of cultivation and pastures. Introd. from Europe and Asia. Fiddle Dock Rumex pulcherpulcher
Perianth valves without tubercles. Stems slender, erect. Flower clusters 5–16-flowered, distant in long racemes which are leafless except at the base. Perianth valves 4 mm long, with a long hooked point and 2–3 long hooked bristles on each side, reticulate, with a thickened midrib. Basal leaves oblong-cordate or almost hastate. Widespread. A native plant which has become a weed in gardens and pastures. Swamp Dock Rumex brownii