Curled dock is one of our perennial weeds. It forms a rosette the first year and then develops a large tap root and sends up a tall stem. The flowers are inconspicuous but the capsule is rusty brown in the fall and is easily recognized. Normally a weed of pastures and other non-tilled areas. Tillage discourages it. It has in recent years become a problem in alfalfa.

Photo by Dr. John Meade, weed scientist emeritus
Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension

Photo by Dr. John Meade, weed scientist emeritus
Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension