Dock

Rumex crispus.

Locations
All around campus, not in the forest.

How to Identify
Leaves- simple smooth long leaves. The veins can be anywhere from reddish yellows to completely green.

Fruit- They fruit in clusters coming off the the top of the stem.

Flower- six stames and six petals

Root- The root is distinctively yellow

Uses
s Leaves are very bitter but they can be made palatable by parboiling them. The ground up seeds can be used as a flour substite.

Although there is no scientific evidence of the medicinal aspects of Dock, its said that the root in a tea or tincture can be used to cleanse the liver and aid in digestion. It was traditionally used topically to treat acne.

Helpful External Information
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UidA5jos3fg