Representative illustration

Rhubarb

Rheum × hybridum

Check your plant’s identity

Is the labelled plant edible garden rhubarb grown for its thick leaf stalks? Garden labels may say Rheum × hybridum, Rheum × cultorum or Rheum rhabarbarum. A photo result saying Rheum rhabarbarum is not enough: it can mean a different wild species. Ornamental rhubarbs, Rheum palmatum, Rheum rhaponticum and wild-collected Rheum are not covered. Without a clear edible-garden label, choose I’m not sure.

Important precautions

Only the cooked leaf stalks are eaten. Gardening authorities say the plant is otherwise harmful if eaten, for people and pets; the leaves are the main concern. Wear gloves when handling it. Pet poison services list rhubarb as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Don't harvest stalks damaged by a hard frost. If someone eats the leaves, call a poison centre or a vet.

Care guidance is partial and depends on your growing conditions. Check the available guidance in the app; this profile does not promise complete care. A representative illustration does not confirm your plant’s identity.