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 of Curled Dock](images/large/curleddock-full.jpg)
Photo by Dr. John Meade, weed scientist emeritus
Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension
![Photo of Curled Dock Capsules](images/large/curleddock-capsules-full.jpg)
Photo by Dr. John Meade, weed scientist emeritus
Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension