red veined sorrel (Rumex sanguineus), is a rosette forming perennial from the buckwheat family. It generally grows in a clumping mound that reaches around 18 inches (46 cm.) in height and is just as wide. Bloody dock plant is native to Europe and Asia but has naturalized in some areas of the United States and Canada. Wild growing red veined sorrel can be found in ditches, clearings, and forests. It is cultivated for its lovely green, lance-shaped leaves that are marked by red to purple veining, of which the plant gets its common name. In the spring, the reddish stems bloom with tiny star-shaped flowers in clusters growing up to 30 inches (76 cm.) in height. Flowers are green at first emergence then darken to a reddish brown, followed by a similarly colored fruit.

hardy to USDA zones 4-8 but can be grown as annuals in other areas. Sow the seeds directly into the garden in the spring or divide existing plants. Situate the planting in full sun to partial shade in average to moist soil.