Wild rhubarb - Ask Extension
There is a rhubarb plant growing in our yard we didn’t plant. How do we know if it’s safe to eat? The leaves are more “pointy” than the usual ...
Knowledgebase
Wild rhubarb #787477
Asked April 20, 2022, 10:05 PM EDT
There is a rhubarb plant growing in our yard we didn’t plant. How do we know if it’s safe to eat? The leaves are more “pointy” than the usual oval shape.
Thank you!
Chisago County Minnesota
Expert Response
Rhubarb is difficult to grow from seed so what you are probably seeing is a look-alike plant. Without more information it is difficult to identify exactly what it might be but a couple that are frequently mistaken for rhubarb are greater burdock and curly dock. Finally, as University of Minnesota Extension master gardener volunteers we cannot vouch for the edibility of plants. However, as you have probably surmised, there are weeds that look like rhubarb that could make you sick if you mistakenly eat them.
Thank you for your feedback. Is there somewhere you could recommend bringing a stem and leaf of the plant to make sure?
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much!
Sent from my iPhone
Naomi
On Apr 25, 2022, at 7:12 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hi Naomi -- I have a few ideas. There are two websites that come to mind that might be helpful. The first is from UM and helps to identify weeds (https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/weed/). The second is an advanced search site through Minnesota Wildflowers (https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/page/search). This search site lets you plug in additional information such as bloom color, bloom time, leaf form, and location. I have also had luck bringing in a leaf to a local garden center. Oftentimes they have knowledgeable staff who can identify what you have in your yard. And of course, down the road you could also snap a photo or two and resubmit to this site. Hope this helps!
Oh my goodness this is so helpful! I really appreciate your time and the extra information.
Thanks again!
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
Naomi
On Apr 27, 2022, at 7:46 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Good luck!
