Lords-and-ladies
Toxic · do not eatArum leaves are also arrow-shaped but glossy, net-veined, and burn the mouth.
Culinary reference
Common sorrel.
Rumex acetosa
Also found as Garden sorrel · Sour dock
A meadow dock with arrow-shaped, lemony leaves and reddish flower spikes.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
High in oxalate. Avoid large amounts with kidney stones or gout.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 10,802
- People who recorded it
- 5,306
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Apr–Jun
- Records span
- 1971–2026
| January | 92 |
|---|---|
| February | 183 |
| March | 583 |
| April | 2506 |
| May | 3120 |
| June | 2353 |
| July | 814 |
| August | 450 |
| September | 253 |
| October | 200 |
| November | 148 |
| December | 81 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Arrow-shaped leaves with backward-pointing lobes clasping the stem.
- 02
Sour, lemony taste from oxalic acid.
- 03
Upright spikes of small reddish flowers in early summer.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Sheep sorrel
Extra care neededA smaller sorrel with narrow, spear-shaped leaves.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Native across Europe and Asia; naturalized in North America.
Watch the plant stage
Leaves from spring to autumn; best before flowering.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Leaf
Use young leaves raw or cooked in sauces and soups.
Care for the patch
Pick outer leaves and leave the crown.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Rumex acetosaBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Rumex acetosaTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction