Be sure to mix compost, rotted manure, or anything high in organic matter in the soil. She works as both a writer and author and enjoys writing articles on many different topics. Identification. Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) produces fernlike leaves; to the untrained eye, the stalks resemble those of rhubarb. Sign up for our newsletter. Rhubarb can also be planted in the fall after dormancy has set in. Some people also report skin irritation or allergic reactions to the plant burs if they penetrate the skin. Here are some popular varieties of rhubarb for the garden: If you prefer red rhubarb varieties, you’ll be delighted with ‘Holstein Bloodred,’ a vigorous plant that produces juicy, deep red stalks. Unlike rhubarb, the stalks are taller and hollow. Also known as Large Victoria, ‘Victoria’ produces mid-size stalks that are dark raspberry red at the base, turning greener closer to the leaves. Rhubarb leaf stalks have a tart flavor. However, common burdock is not edible. Most rhubarb varieties aren’t pure red inside and out, but ‘Colorado Red’ is an exception. The fleshy, edible stalks (petioles) of other species and hybrids (culinary rhubarb) were cooked and used for food. It's considered toxic and has a diuretic effect on those who consume it. These biennial plants produce large, heart-shaped wavy leaves and tall reddish-colored stalks similar to rhubarb in USDA plant hardiness zones 2 through 10. Rheum officinale. ‘Canada Red’ is a type of cherry-red rhubarb with a sweet, juicy flavor. The small flowersare gro… If you see a plant that looks like rhubarb and you're not sure if it is, beware. Dig large bushel basket-size holes. Rheum L. – rhubarb. Historically, different plants have been called "rhubarb" in English. Plant grows white, spikelike flower clusters, which are insignificant. Gardeners and pie makers often assume that deep red rhubarb is the sweetest. Genus. Some can make your children and pets quite sick. Everett, Editor. Birds, the wind and other animals can spread seeds to various areas of your yard or garden. The New Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel, Editor, The New Illustrated Encyclopedia of Gardening Volume 2; T.H. The whole plant – a herbaceous perennial growing from short, thick rhizomes – is also called rhubarb. in professional writing. If you’re curious about green rhubarb plant types, ‘Riverside Giant’ is a cold-hardy rhubarb with long, very thick green stalks. Plants produce large wavy leaves on thick stalks, like rhubarb, but they grow much larger and have stalks with reddish, rubbery prickles. There are other plants that look similar to rhubarb, but are toxic lookalike plants that are inedible. Polygonaceae – Buckwheat family. Rhubarb actually comes in several colors, including pink and speckled rhubarb varieties. Click below on a thumbnail map or name for species profiles. Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is an easy-to-grow perennial plant in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 though 8. Birds, the wind and other animals can spread seeds to various areas of your yard or garden. With attractive, pink stalks that tend to be thicker than many varieties, ‘Sunrise’ is an all-around variety that works well for freezing, canning, jellies, and pies. This is reportedly one of the sweetest rhubarb plant types available. However, this rhubarb variety is fragrant, tender, and slightly sweet. These invasive, weedy plants thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 10. The plant produces thick, red solid stalks that can grow up to 5 feet tall, topped with large, elongated, heart-shaped leaves. You may even discover that green varieties of rhubarb are surprisingly sweet, and tend to be more productive! You should not touch or ingest any parts of poison hemlock -- all parts are toxic and cause symptoms, such as dizziness and slowed heart rate within 20 minutes of ingestion. Stalks are often harvested and used in baking, and you can also grow rhubarb as edible landscape plant. If you’re in the market for rhubarb with an unusual appearance, try ‘German Wine,’ a variety that boasts green stems with pink speckles. However, the color of rhubarb actually has very little to do with its flavor. Space rhubarb plants about 4 feet apart and plant the roots 1 to 2 inches below the surface of the soil. Everett, Editor, The New Illustrated Encyclopedia of Gardening Volume 8; T.H. If you’re a fan of bright red rhubarb, guess what? If you need to pull or dig up the plant, wear gloves and a mask to avoid becoming ill. are perennial plants that include giant rhubarb (Gunnera manicata) and grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 9. These plants are well-suited for growing in waterside areas, such as lakes, ponds and bogs, but unlike rhubarb, they are inedible. Prickly rhubarbs (Gunnera spp.) A mild-flavored rhubarb, ‘Turkish’ is green inside and out, except for a blush of red at the base. Subordinate Taxa. They have purple spots on the stems, unlike the red-colored stalks of rhubarb. These plants are well-suited for growing in waterside areas, such as lakes, ponds and bogs, but unlike rhubarb, they are inedible. Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) produces fernlike leaves; to the untrained eye, the stalks resemble those of rhubarb. Rhubarb leaf stalks have a tart flavor. Read on to learn more about a few of the many types of rhubarb. ‘Cherry Red’ is a sweet, tender variety with long, thick, cherry red stalks. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. You can tell common burdock from rhubarb by its hollow stalks, fuzziness on the undersides of leaves and its height -- it grows up to 6 feet tall. All Rights Reserved. There are other plants that look similar to rhubarb, but are toxic lookalike plants that are inedible. The plant produces thick, red solid stalks that can grow up to 5 feet tall, topped with large, elongated, heart-shaped leaves. Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is an easy-to-grow perennial plant in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 though 8. If you need to pull or dig up the plant, wear gloves and a mask to avoid becoming ill. Keep your children and pets away from it. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Plant grows white, spikelike flower clusters, which are insignificant. Ingestion can lead to death. Family. Everett, Editor, The New Illustrated Encyclopedia of Gardening Volume 6; T.H. Stems can grow 5 to 8 feet long and leaves 6 to 10 feet across. The Plants Database includes the following 3 species of Rheum . 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