Flowers of the Southwest Deserts

by Natt N. Dodge

Rumex hymenosepalus

Common names: WILD-RHUBARB, DOCK, SORREL, CANAIGRE Arizona and California deserts: (Rumex hymenosepalus). Pink-green. March-April. Texas desert: (Rumex mexicanus). Pink-green. Summer. Buckwheat family. Size: Coarse perennial up to 2 feet tall.

Sturdy, conspicuous flower and seed heads together with the large leaves of these coarse, roadside plants, although hardly to be considered as beautiful, attract considerable attention and arouse the curiosity of the observer. Some species are garden weeds introduced from Europe. In the desert, the large, coarse leaves and pinkish flower stalks make quite a showing in sandy washes and along the roadsides as early as March and April. The plant is being considered as a source of tannin (from its tubers) to replace that formerly obtained from Chestnuts.

GREEN