Plants produce large wavy leaves on thick stalks, like rhubarb, but they grow much larger and have stalks with reddish, rubbery prickles. Rhubarb actually comes in several colors, including pink and speckled rhubarb varieties. There are other plants that look similar to rhubarb, but are toxic lookalike plants that are inedible. ‘Canada Red’ is a type of cherry-red rhubarb with a sweet, juicy flavor. Rhubarb can also be planted in the fall after dormancy has set in. 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. If you need to pull or dig up the plant, wear gloves and a mask to avoid becoming ill. Prickly rhubarbs (Gunnera spp.) Rhubarb leaf stalks have a tart flavor. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. The large, triangular leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid and anthrone glycosides, making them inedible. She works as both a writer and author and enjoys writing articles on many different topics. However, the color of rhubarb actually has very little to do with its flavor. You may even discover that green varieties of rhubarb are surprisingly sweet, and tend to be more productive! Subordinate Taxa. are perennial plants that include giant rhubarb (Gunnera manicata) and grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 9. Gardeners and pie makers often assume that deep red rhubarb is the sweetest. Some can make your children and pets quite sick. Identification. A mild-flavored rhubarb, ‘Turkish’ is green inside and out, except for a blush of red at the base. Polygonaceae – Buckwheat family. 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. ‘McDonald’s Canadian Red’ is another deep red rhubarb that works well for canning, freezing or rhubarb pies. If you’re a fan of bright red rhubarb, guess what? 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. Plant grows white, spikelike flower clusters, which are insignificant. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Ingestion can lead to death. If you’re in the market for rhubarb with an unusual appearance, try ‘German Wine,’ a variety that boasts green stems with pink speckles. It's considered toxic and has a diuretic effect on those who consume it. Everett, Editor. Her fiction writing appears in "Bewildering Stories," "The Other Herald" and "Spectacular Speculations.". Everett, Editor, The New Illustrated Encyclopedia of Gardening Volume 8; T.H. Rheum L. – rhubarb. Plant grows white, spikelike flower clusters, which are insignificant. 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. These plants are well-suited for growing in waterside areas, such as lakes, ponds and bogs, but unlike rhubarb, they are inedible. Native Introduced Native and Introduced. Genus. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Cornell University Growing Guide: Rhubarb, KVAL.com: Toxic Weed Puts Gardener in the Hospital, Ohio Perennial and Biennial Weed Guide: Common Murdock. 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. Planting Riverside Giant Rhubarb: How To Grow Giant Rhubarb Plants, Victoria Rhubarb Care – How To Grow Victoria Rhubarb Plants, Sunrise Rhubarb Variety – How To Grow Sunrise Rhubarb Plants, Prickly Kale Leaves – Does Kale Have Thorns, Corn Husk Wreath Ideas: How To Make A Corn Husk Wreath, DIY Air Plant Wreaths: Wreath Making With Air Plants, Amaryllis Seed Propagation: How To Plant An Amaryllis Seed, Berry Container Gardening Tips: Growing Unusual Berries In Pots, What Is Spur Blight: Learn About Spur Blight Symptoms And Control, Rose Varieties: What Are Some Different Types Of Roses, Thanksgiving Tradition: Turning Homegrown Pumpkins Into Pie, Growing Thanksgiving Dinner – Must Have Turkey Side Dishes, Interesting Uses For Pecans: What To Do With Pecans, The Bountiful Garden: Bringing The Garden To Thanksgiving. Based in Indiana, Molly Allman holds a B.A. Common burdock (Arctium minus), also known as wild rhubarb, is easily mistaken for rhubarb. 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. You can distinguish this poisonous plant from rhubarb by looking at the stalks. The New Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel, Editor, The New Illustrated Encyclopedia of Gardening Volume 2; T.H.