Rumex scutatus
French sorrel
A low-growing perennial with a creeping habit and spear-shaped grey-green leaves. Small greenish-red flowers are produced in summer, but the plant is usually grown for its edible leaves which can be cut for salads
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten in large amounts. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Rumex can be annuals, biennials or perennials with mostly basal, simple leaves and erect panicles or racemes of small greenish or reddish flowers followed by reddish-brown, triangular fruits
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in rich, fertile soil but will tolerate almost any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in situ, may self-seed in place if flowers are left to seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Ground cover
Pruning
Young leaves can be harvested as a 'cut and come again' crop. If growing for foliage it is best to remove any flowering stalks that appear
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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