Bloody Dock – Identification

Q: I am wondering if bloody dock, Rumex sanguineus, will grow well here. Some say it is invasive but I like the color of its leaves.

A: I bought some several years ago and it still pops up in my landscape near where I planted it originally. I like the leaf color too. There are plenty of other dock species that are considered weeds but seedlings of this one are easy to spot and pull out or transplant. It sends up a tall, unattractive flower spike in summer. Cut it off when seen. Or you can do like I do and leave one in place so I have bloody dock seedlings to enjoy the following fall.