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Sorrel. Various species of Rumex (which see) produce large thick acid leaves which are prized for salads or for "greens." Leaves of some of the native or naturalized species are gathered as pot-herbs in many parts of the country. In the Old World, however, several species are regularly cultivated in kitchen-gardens; in this country these cultivated species are relatively little known. They are perennials of the very easiest culture. Usually they persist for a number of years after well established, giving an abundance of soft edible leaves early in the spring when herbage is scarce. They are usually grown from seeds, and plants fit for cutting may be had when the plants are one or two years old. Plants should be placed at one side of the garden where they will not interfere with the regular tillage. No special treatment is demanded. When they begin to show signs of failing, new plants should be started or the old ones may be taken up and divided. The rows should stand about 18 inches apart. Do not let the plants exhaust themselves by seed-bearing. The spinach dock (Rumex Patientia) is one of the best and earliest. The belleville (Rumex Acetosa) is also an excellent plant for the home-garden and has the advantage of following the other as a succession. Various other species may be had of European seed-dealers. See Dock and Rumex.  

Sorrel. Various species of Rumex (which see) produce large thick acid leaves which are prized for salads or for "greens." Leaves of some of the native or naturalized species are gathered as pot-herbs in many parts of the country. In the Old World, however, several species are regularly cultivated in kitchen-gardens; in this country these cultivated species are relatively little known. They are perennials of the very easiest culture. Usually they persist for a number of years after well established, giving an abundance of soft edible leaves early in the spring when herbage is scarce. They are usually grown from seeds, and plants fit for cutting may be had when the plants are one or two years old. Plants should be placed at one side of the garden where they will not interfere with the regular tillage. No special treatment is demanded. When they begin to show signs of failing, new plants should be started or the old ones may be taken up and divided. The rows should stand about 18 inches apart. Do not let the plants exhaust themselves by seed-bearing. The spinach dock (Rumex Patientia) is one of the best and earliest. The belleville (Rumex Acetosa) is also an excellent plant for the home-garden and has the advantage of following the other as a succession. Various other species may be had of European seed-dealers. See Dock and Rumex.  

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{{Taxobox

{{edit-cult}}<!--- Type cultivation info below this line, then delete this entire line -->

| color = lightgreen

 

| name = Sorrel

===Propagation===

| image = rumex_acetosa_cultivar_01.jpg

| image_width = 250px

 

| regnum = [[Plant]]ae

===Pests and diseases===

{{edit-pests}}<!--- Type pest/disease info below this line, then delete this entire line -->

 

| ordo = [[Caryophyllales]]

| familia = [[Polygonaceae]]

<!--  This section should be renamed Cultivars if it appears on a page for a species (rather than genus), or perhaps Varieties if there is a mix of cultivars, species, hybrids, etc    -->

| genus = ''[[Rumex]]''

| species = '''''R. acetosa'''''

| binomial = ''Rumex acetosa''

| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]

}}

'''Common sorrel''', also known as '''spinach dock''' and either '''ambada bhaji''' or '''gongoora''' in [[Indian cuisine]], is a [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[herb]] that is cultivated as a [[leaf vegetable]].

Sorrel is a slender [[plant]] about 60 cm high, with roots that run deep into the ground, as well as juicy stems and edible, oblong [[Leaf|leaves]]. The lower leaves are 7 to 15 cm in length, slightly arrow-shaped at the base, with very long [[Petiole (botany)|petiole]]s. The upper ones are [[sessile]], and frequently become crimson. The leaves are eaten by the [[larva]]e of several species of [[Lepidoptera]] including [[blood-vein]].

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It has whorled spikes of reddish-green [[flower]]s, which bloom in June and July, becoming purplish. The [[stamen]]s and [[pistil]]s are on different plants; the ripe [[seed]]s are brown and shining.  

Image:Upload.png| photo 1

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Common sorrel has been cultivated for centuries. The leaves may be puréed in [[soup]]s and [[sauce]]s or added to [[salad]]s and [[shav]]; they have a flavor that is similar to [[kiwifruit]] or sour [[strawberry|wild strawberries]]. The plant's sharp taste is due to [[oxalic acid]], and so may be contraindicated in people with [[Rheumatism|rheumatic]]-type complaints, [[kidney]] or [[bladder stone]]s. Sorrel is also a [[laxative]].  

*[[Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture]], by L. H. Bailey, MacMillan Co., 1963

<!--- xxxxx  *Flora: The Gardener's Bible, by Sean Hogan. Global Book Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0881925381  -->

<!--- xxxxx  *American Horticultural Society: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, by Christopher Brickell, Judith D. Zuk. 1996. ISBN 0789419432  -->

<!--- xxxxx  *Sunset National Garden Book. Sunset Books, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0376038608  -->

{{Herbs & spices}}

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[[Category:Polygonaceae]]

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[[Category:Medicinal plants]]