Curly Dock (Rumex crispus): Identification & Selective Herbicide Matrix
Quick Agronomic Summary
2,4-D + Dicamba (SpeedZone or TZone SE) easily kills Curly Dock when sprayed during active vegetative growth.
- Diagnostic Marker 1: Large, elongated, lance-shaped basal leaves with distinctly wavy, curly margins
- Diagnostic Marker 2: Massive, deep, yellowish-orange branched fleshy taproot
- Diagnostic Marker 3: Tall, rigid flower stalks turning rusty reddish-brown in late summer, covered in winged seeds
What herbicide kills Curly Dock?
2,4-D + Dicamba (SpeedZone or TZone SE) easily kills Curly Dock when sprayed during active vegetative growth.
Curly dock has a stout taproot. Systemic phenoxy herbicides travel down into the root crown within 48 to 72 hours.
When should you treat Curly Dock?
Spray in autumn during the rosette stage or early spring before tall flower stalks bolt.
Mowing off seed stalks before they turn reddish-brown prevents massive seed replenishment.
EPA-Registered Herbicides Labeled for Curly Dock
The table below compares all selective herbicides in our database that control Curly Dock, including active ingredient groups, application temperature limits (°F), and surfactant requirements.
| Brand Name & EPA Reg. | Active Ingredient & WSSA Group | Temp Window (°F) | Surfactant & Mixing Protocol | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer EPA Reg. 2217-833 |
2,4-D 28.57%, Mecoprop-p 5.88%, Dicamba 1.71%, Carfentrazone-ethyl 0.62% Group 4 + Group 14 (Synthetic Auxins + PPO Inhibitor) |
50°F – 85°F Rainfast: 3h |
Do NOT add surfactant. Adding NIS or MSO increases ester volatility and causes severe contact burn on desirable cool-season turf. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
| TZone SE EPA Reg. 2217-920 |
Triclopyr 7.72%, 2,4-D 29.36%, Dicamba 2.22%, Sulfentrazone 0.66% Group 4 + Group 14 (Pyridine Auxin + Phenoxy + PPO Inhibitor) |
50°F – 80°F Rainfast: 3h |
Do NOT mix with surfactant when temperatures exceed 75°F. In cool spring or fall conditions (55°F–70°F), 0.5 tsp NIS per gallon improves waxy leaf penetration on Wild Violet. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
Turfgrass Compatibility Matrix for Curly Dock Herbicides
Always verify that your chosen herbicide is safe for your specific lawn grass before broadcast spraying:
How to Distinguish Curly Dock from Lookalike Weeds
| Lookalike Species | Key Botanical & Diagnostic Difference |
|---|---|
| Broadleaf Plantain | Curly dock has huge lance-shaped leaves with crinkled wavy edges; broadleaf plantain has wide oval flat leaves with parallel veins. |