Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 7-13. Chicory.
Curled dock, yellow dock, and sour dock.
In early spring, this plant is easily recognized by
its rosette of long, narrow leaves—up to 2 feet long—with curly edges. It grows throughout the
country in fields, disturbed soil, and near water. Early spring leaves are delicious steamed and
may be acceptable raw, but should be washed first. For later harvests, boil the leaves with mul-
tiple water changes to reduce bitterness. In summer, the flower stalk may be peeled and
steamed as a vegetable. With much difficulty, the seeds may be threshed and ground into flour.
Dock was a staple green during the Depression. The taproot is too bitter for eating, but is a use-
ful medicinal herb for skin and liver conditions.
