The Herbarium at the University of Georgia Poisonous Plants of Georgia
The Herbarium of the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
Common Name:
Scientific Name:
Sheep Sorrel, Curly Dock Rumex spp. L.
Family:
 Polygonaceae
Click for photos and scientific description Click for photos and scientific description
Click on the photos to enlarge images and read a scientific description.
This plant may be poisonous to both humans and animals. Please refer to the "Symptoms" section below for information regarding susceptiblity of animal species to poisoning.
Description:
 Curly dock and sheep sorrel may be annual, biennial, or perennial herbs. These plants are members of the buckwheat family. These plants have tissue that surrounds the point on the stem where the leaves meet the stem (ocreae). The leaves are alternate and the flowers are very small. The flowers form clusters that may top the plant.
Toxic Part: The entire plant is toxic.
Toxin: The toxin is oxalic acid, an organic acid.
Symptoms: Clinical signs in animals include anorexia, depression, tremors, incoordination, teeth grinding, seizures, muscular twitching, recumbency, and death.
Treatment: Panciera and colleagues outlined steps to prevent intoxication. These included ensuring minimal exposure to the plants and making supplemental feed available to animals as well as dietary calcium supplements.
References: 38, 48, 132
This site is NOT a substitute for the advice of medical physician. Plant poisonings can, in certain cases, result in SERIOUS HARM AND EVEN DEATH. Please contact a physician or your local poison control center if you suspect any plant poisoning. A link to the Georgia Poison Control Center can be found on the "References and Links" page of this site.