"Rumex obtusifolius" is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant that grows to a height of . It is easily recognizable by its very large oval leaves with cordate bases and rounded tips, some of the lower leaves having red stems. The edges of the leaves are slightly "crisped" or wavy, the upper surface is hairless and the under surface may be papillose. The leaves of this plant can grow to about in length and wide. The taproot is large, with numerous branches extending to a depth of , with tough stems, often reddish, and unbranched until just below the inflorescence.