grassleaf sorrel

Rumex graminifolius is a slender perennial plant that grows from 0.1 m to 0.5 m high, with roots that run right below the surface, as well as a skinny stems and edible pointy, flat leaves. The leaves, when consumed raw, have a bitter taste. The lower leaves have 4 to 6 centimeters in length with long petioles and a membranous ocrea formed of fused, sheathing stipules. The upper ones are inflorescences, flowers and frequently become a bright reddish color. It has whorled spikes of reddish-green flowers, which bloom in late spring-summer.

Rumex graminifolius is found is arctic regions and costal rocks throughout Northern North America, Alaska and North Europe. It can grow in acid, neutral and basic soils yet prefers moist soil. It can also grow in semi-shade or no shade.

This species is generally used as food plants by the larvae of a number of Lepidoptera species, and are the only host plants of Lycaena rubidus.