Last updated: January 14, 2021
Place
Sourdock at Western Arctic National Parklands
NPS/Linda Jeschke
Quick Facts
Location:
Northwest Arctic Heritage Center garden, Kotzebue AK
Significance:
Medicinal Plant
Amenities
3 listed
Cellular Signal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Wheelchair Accessible
Sourdock (Rumex arcticus) is also called quaġaq (with regional dialect variants: -ġak, -ġat) in Iñupiaq. This striking plant can be found on the tundra, especially in the marshy areas.
Sourdock's most recognizable feature is its tall, thin stalk that is often bright red in color. The stalk is a short-lived feature. A more standard part of the plant to see during tundra exploring is its large, flat leaves that can be tipped in bright red.
The leaves are the most commonly eaten portion of the plant. Typically people will freeze or cook them before consuming. This reduces the amount of oxalic acid in the leaves, which can be harmful if eaten in large amounts. Small amounts of raw leaves are not considered harmful, but always exercise caution when consuming.
Sourdock has the ability to be used as a laxative. Only small amounts of the plant are needed to help cure stomach and bladder troubles. It has also been used to cure hangovers and overindulgement.
Sources:
Sourdock's most recognizable feature is its tall, thin stalk that is often bright red in color. The stalk is a short-lived feature. A more standard part of the plant to see during tundra exploring is its large, flat leaves that can be tipped in bright red.
The leaves are the most commonly eaten portion of the plant. Typically people will freeze or cook them before consuming. This reduces the amount of oxalic acid in the leaves, which can be harmful if eaten in large amounts. Small amounts of raw leaves are not considered harmful, but always exercise caution when consuming.
Sourdock has the ability to be used as a laxative. Only small amounts of the plant are needed to help cure stomach and bladder troubles. It has also been used to cure hangovers and overindulgement.
Sources:
- Jones, Anore. Plants That We Eat: Nauriat Nigiñaqtuat. Univ. of Alaska Press, 2010.
- Garibaldi, Ann. Medicinal Flora of the Alaska Natives: a Compilation of Knowledge... Alaska Natural Heritage Program, Environment and Natural Resources Institute, University of Alaska Anchorage, 1999.
- Schofield, Janice J. Discovering Wild Plants: Alaska, Western Canada, the Northwest. Alaska Northwest Books, 1995.