.
Dock Photos
.
Dock will often hybridize with
other species of the same genus, creating specimens that are very difficult
to identify. It doesn't really matter to the duck hunter what genus or
specie the plant actually is though, as long as it is presenting seeds
of about wild millet size or larger to ducks sometime during teal season
or regular duck season. All of these specimens were found in Texas in early
July of a VERY dry year. They typically don't brown out and start dropping
seed until late July or early August. That times it just about right for
Teal. Even though dropped in July and August, any seeds still on the surface
in November through January will still be edible to a duck. The seeds of
these naturally occurring wetland plants are very durable. In fact, many
can stay in the soil, in a dormant state, for many years and still be viable.
copyright 2008 R.S.Steenbeke
Close up of achenes (dried, single seeded fruit) from Western Dock
found in Texas. The little, bitty dark spots in the center of my palm are
actually the seeds after I rubbed them out of the achene. I've seen teal
loaded up with these seeds. |
copyright 2008 R.S.Steenbeke
Western Dock |
copyright 2008 R.S.Steenbeke
Another Dock specie found in Texas. Note the leaves are more rounded
than that of the Western Dock. Very heavy seed head though, and the individual
seeds are at least as large as millet. It should attract quite a few ducks. |
copyright 2008 R.S.Steenbeke
Reddish brown seed spikes of Clustered Dock poke up out of other
pond side vegetation. Rushes can be seen next to the water. Some upland
plants can be seen to the left. |
copyright 2008 R.S.Steenbeke
Mexican Dock |
copyright 2008 Codi Steenbeke
Close up of seed clusters from yet another Dock specie in Texas.
Exact specie ID can be tough, as these plants often hybridize within genus.
There may also be several varieties within a specie. |
|