Sourdock
Also called wild spinach or Arctic dock
- Iñupiaq name: Quaġaq, Quagaq, Quagak, Quaġak or Quagat
- Family: Polygonaceae
- Scientific name: Rumex arcticus
- Distinguishing characteristics: Green leaves lance-shaped turning reddish through summer. Tall (10-14 inch) stem is red and very tough; yields small red flowers.
- Similar species: Sourdock is very similar looking to other species of dock found elsewhere in Alaska, but Sourdock is diminutive compared to other species and produces few leaves. Sourdock may also be confused with Arctic sorrel, which is even smaller than sourdock and produces kidney shaped leaves.
- Habitat: Wet marsh or wet meadow.
- Best time to harvest: Early to mid summer.
- Uses: Young, green leaves are edible, but slightly sour (almost tasting like rhubarb). Typically leaves are eaten raw, put into soups, or preserved in seal oil. Early flowering shoots are also edible and can be made into tea along with roots.
Photo by Alfred Cook, Alaska Wildflowers
Photo by Jacob Frank
Photo by Paul Slichter