About Rumex scutatus L.
Rumex scutatus L. (synonym Rumex alpestris) is a plant species belonging to the buckwheat family, grown and used as a culinary herb. Its common names are French sorrel, buckler sorrel, and shield-leaf sorrel, and it is sometimes referred to by the culinary name "green-sauce". As a culinary herb, it is commonly added to salads, soups, and sauces, especially sauces served with fish. French sorrel has a tart flavor from its oxalic acid content, with a subtle lemony note; it can develop a bitter taste later in the growing season. This species is hardy across most regions, and can tolerate frost, full sun, and short periods of dry conditions. It grows quickly to form a clump that can reach up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in diameter, and produces long leaves that grow up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) wide. Many people prefer this species for culinary use over Rumex acetosa, the common garden sorrel.
