Rhubarb is a popular plant grown for its edible stalks . However , there are several other plant that are commonly mistaken for rhubarb due to their standardised appearance . As a gardener , it ’s significant to be able-bodied to describe these rhubarb plant lookalikes to avoid harvest the wrong works . In this article , we ’ll go over the key feature of rhubarb plant and the most common imposters .
True Rhubarb
Let ’s start by outlining the features of true rhubarb ( Rheum rhabarbarum ):
Stalks are green - red or red , thick and overweight .
Large green leaves with crimson veins that are triangular in shape
Perennial that die back in winter and regrows in springtime from an underground crown
Has a tart , sullen taste .
Toxic leave contain oxalic acid and should not be feed .
Used for pies , jams , sauces .
False Rhubarbs
Burdock
One of the most frequent rhubarb shammer is clotbur ( Arctium lappa ) . Here ’s how to tell them aside :
Leaves are very large , light-green and heart - regulate .
Stems are dark-green - brown , not red . Edible when young .
Biennial plant life with a taproot .
Very common sens across North America and Europe .
Japanese Knotweed
Nipponese knotweed ( Reynoutria japonica ) is an invasive plant life that also resemble rhubarb :
Stems are fluent , stalwart and carmine - brownish . Hollow when curve .
foliage are heart or digger - work without red veins .
Spreads apace via root system to spring obtuse thicket .
regard a noxious weed in many expanse .
Not comestible .
Giant Rhubarb
Giant rhubarb ( Gunnera species ) gets its name from its monolithic rhubarb - like leaves :
leafage can maturate over 6 foot wide-cut on some specie !
Rough , hairy grain with red veining on bottom .
Produces tall , cone - shaped cerise flowers .
Requires very moist soil .
Toxic , not suitable for eating .
Monk’s Rhubarb
Monk ’s rhubarb ( Rumex alpinus ) go to the buckwheat family unit :
dark-green or ruddy bow grow 2 - 4 feet marvelous .
Wavy edged leaves are more elongate than true rhubarb plant .
minor dark-green flowers in clusters .
Root has been used medicinally but is not eat .
As you’re able to see , a number of plants share visual law of similarity with rhubarb but miss the eatable timbre . When foraging , be 100 % certain of the works ’s identification before harvesting . If unsure , do not eat any part of the works . It ’s better to pass up an imposter than accidentally take in a toxic or unpalatable species . With the correct knowledge , you ’ll be able to easily spy the literal rhubarb plant !
