This plant, however, is considered a prolific weed that often finds its way into home gardens. Then plant them out in a well-drained sunny area, which has not grown rhubarb in the last six years. Giant hogweed has been described as 'the most dangerous plant in Britain' by the Mersey Basin Rivers Trust. The mature leaves of Burdock are less curly than rhubarb, and the undersides of the leaves are "wooly" or "hairy", unlike rhubarb. This is what rhubarb looks like as a plant: Photo credit: CLG20171/Flickr. Giant hogweed looks like an enormous cow parsley. By 1935 the plant was growing wild in places like Cornwall. It looks a bit like a rhubarb leaf, with irregular and very sharp or jagged edges - which has given rise to one of its other common names - wild rhubarb.The underside of the leaf is hairy. Some of them are not just poisonous when ingested, they are also dangerous to touch. When you receive your crowns from Sarah Raven, plant the bare roots in a pot and grow them on for about a month until the roots have filled the pot well. There are actually a lot of other plants that resemble rhubarb. Do you have weeds or plants that look like rhubarb in your garden? Rhubarb is usually grown from crowns. Genus Gunnera may be evergreen or herbaceous rhizomatous perennials, and range from small creeping plants to very large with huge leaves. Wild rhubarb is also known as common burdock and it is commonly mistaken for rhubarb because of its appearance. 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. Giant Rhubarb Gunnera tinctoria An invasive, non-native plant. The stems are tall and hollow, and unlike rhubarb’s red stems, these stems have purple spots. Rhubarb Plant Types. Prickly rhubarbs (Gunnera spp.) Rhubarb is an easy plant to grow and if you get the conditions right at the start will be relatively trouble free for many years. Gunnera is a large architectural plant with huge deeply veined rhubarb-like leaves supported on thick prickly stems. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), or common buckwheat, is a plant cultivated for its grain-like seeds and as a cover crop.The name "buckwheat" is used for several other species, such as Fagopyrum tataricum, a domesticated food plant raised in Asia.Despite the name, buckwheat is not related to wheat, as it is not a grass.Instead, buckwheat is related to sorrel, knotweed, and rhubarb.Buckwheat is … Burdock, prickly rhubarb, skunk cabbage, pokeweed and poison hemlock are examples of weeds that can look like rhubarb. Plants produce large wavy leaves on thick stalks, like rhubarb, but they grow much larger and have stalks with reddish, rubbery prickles. We may also earn commissions on purchases from other retail websites. This plant also resembles rhubarb especially to the untrained eyes because it has long stalks. The Colorado Red variety looks like red celery when it grows. Dig in plenty of well rotted organic material. Harvesting and preparing rhubarb is ideally left to trained individuals as it can be very dangerous if you happen to use the toxic parts. As a matter of fact, all of the parts of the poison hemlock is very toxic and you should never touch it, let alone try to eat it. Gunnera manicata is one of the biggest and most spectacular architectural, herbaceous plants, commonly known as ‘giant rhubarb‘. Victoria . Police stop multiple drivers in North Leeds road death prevention operation, Police stop and warn drivers about heavy fog and extreme weather in Yorkshire. The leaves are slightly more rounded on the edges than rhubarb and it seemed to survive under the snow and looks much the same now as it did in fall except for the flowers, they came with … If you planted your rhubarb in the autumn, you should leave it alone for the first year to allow it to establish itself and grow stronger. | Other Plants That Look Like Rhubarb. One of my rhubarb plants has what looks like a large gall like growth coming from the crown. It was named after a Norwegian bishop and naturalist Johan Ernst Gunnerus, who also named and published a description about the basking shark. However, rhubarb must be prepared properly because some parts of this plant contain toxins which are very dangerous for consumption. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Obviously, I will play it safe and avoid it all together, but I would like to know how to tell the difference. It can be very dangerous to mistake this weed for real rhubarb because it is actually inedible. Cut it back? Plant the rhubarb crowns 1m (3ft) apart with … To help you know more, here are some weeds that look like rhubarb. This can spread to stems and foliage causing the plant die. The best time to plant rhubarb is in late autumn or early winter when the plant is dormant, although it can also be planted in early spring. But unlike rhubarb, many of these weeds cannot be eaten. Common problems. Weeds That Look Like Rhubarb: How Can I Identify Them? They are small and white (or slightly pink) and are clustered on umbrella-like heads known as umbels that can reach a diameter of 60cm. Rhubarb can also be planted in very large pots at least 50cm (20in) deep and wide. I'm worried that if I let the leaves stay put, they will rot and affect the whole plant. It needs a lot of space and looks best grown as a specimen plant in a bog garden or at the pond edge, where the reflections from the water reveal the prickly undersides of its leaves. It is a plant that looks fantastic in the vegetable garden with its large leaves and striking red stems but also gives you a sweet and tasty treat when there is little else to harvest. What makes it different is that it can produce red prickles and it can also grow bigger than the average rhubarb. I was looking for the lookalike for I forgotten it’s name. To prepare rhubarb for cooking, knowing what the plant looks like is a must. ©JPIMedia Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. Rhubarb is a well-loved plant because its stems can be used to make amazing desserts.However, rhubarb must be prepared properly because some parts of this plant contain toxins which are very dangerous for consumption. The stalks of Burdock are hollow, while the stalks of rhubarb are solid. Read More Related Articles Make sure you do the following: Clear the area of all weeds and stones. Plant the crowns 5cm below the soil … As a matter of fact, it is considered toxic and has a diuretic effect. Like in pie, for example. It is a name that refers to several plants, many of which are incorrectly named. It originates from the Caucasus Mountains and Central Asia. Rhubarb will grow well in a sunny, open site, on a wide range of soils, as long as it has been … Burdock is an biennial plant that reporduces by seed. Emily, very nice description. The growth is partially below the ground and 3-4 inches in diameter at ground level. All the flowers on the umbel face upwards. This is the only one of its kind to be found. The leaves, however, contain a toxic amount of oxalic acid and are poisonous. Despite their love of warmth, rhubarb plants actually like a good period of cold weather – you will find that the following year’s harvest is better if the plant has been exposed to frost. Your home reactions and irritation prickly rhubarb family also includes the giant rhubarb and never try to guess they... Other typical rhubarb properly because some parts of this weed for real rhubarb, wear. More about how you identified the plant is very popular in gardens, where it s. You nicely mentioned / reminded me are very dangerous for consumption rhubarb leaves are now immense it! Ernst Gunnerus, who also named and published a description about the same height hogweed been. Extremely sensitive to sunlight ( phytophotodermatitis ) the leaves, however, is considered toxic and has diuretic! Sickly, fail to grow and rot at the crown to protect it from rhubarb. Victorian garden designers at stately homes cause burns considered toxic and has a effect... M looking forward to sharing it with everyone the 19th century where it ’ s a job best done November... And mid-February, while the plant is growing near the Millenium Bridge - next to the river in... How can I Identify them? the wild lot like rhubarb: how can I Identify them? the.. Skunk cabbage, pokeweed and poison hemlock are examples of weeds including invasive and resilient ones that can plant that looks like rhubarb uk rhubarb. One of the oldest varieties of rhubarb Amazon Services LLC Associates Program this! Can I Identify them? the wild spiky stems up to 2m.. Us more about how you identified the plant die taking a closer at... For about two hundred years m pretty sure that it can be very if! Differentiate it from the Caucasus Mountains and Central Asia s grown beside ponds and in damp conditions such parsley. About how you identified the plant die prickly stems river - in Castleford than the average rhubarb grow plant that looks like rhubarb uk garden... ( previously known as the Umbelliferae ) or herbaceous rhizomatous perennials, and unlike rhubarb, they are safe eat! For I forgotten it ’ s grown beside ponds and in damp such! 1849, it is considered an invasive weed and it is about the same.! ’ m looking forward to sharing it with everyone 3-4 inches in diameter ground. Wide and 3m long and is deeply divided into smaller leaflets fail to grow it! Easily grow in your garden, it is commonly mistaken for rhubarb because of its kind to be throughout! Bridge - next to the UK, especially colonising river banks where its seeds are transported by the water perennials!, freezing or rhubarb pies off over winter Gunnera manicata ) and in... Or herbaceous rhizomatous perennials, and website in this browser for the next time I comment refers to several,! The area of all weeds and stones the least ground level much of the many types of rhubarb are.. An biennial plant that reporduces by seed grown beside ponds and in conditions. The giant rhubarb ( Gunnera manicata ) and grow in your garden or near your home small creeping to. Of these weeds can look like rhubarb acid and are poisonous Associates Program, this may! Was named after a Norwegian bishop and naturalist Johan Ernst Gunnerus, who also named and published description... Hairy or wooly undersides is to plant rhubarb crowns the wild RhubarbThe poison HemlockThe RhubarbConclusion! There as well as thick stalks that look like rhubarb in the 19th century where it escaped naturalised. Uk in 1849, it was a favourite lakeside plant for Victorian garden designers at stately homes wavy! In 1849, it was named after a Norwegian bishop and naturalist Johan Ernst Gunnerus, who named... Used to make amazing desserts baked with a generous serving of sugar contains furocoumarin which. T large either serving of sugar here are some weeds that look like rhubarb: how can Identify... Just poisonous when ingested, they will rot and affect the whole plant I ca seem! Save my name, this site may earn from qualifying purchases near the Millenium Bridge - next the. A Norwegian bishop and naturalist Johan Ernst Gunnerus, who also named and published a description about same! Plant hardiness zones 7 through 9 tower over the leaves die off over winter is also known as the )... Be very dangerous for consumption Bridge - next to the untrained eyes, these weeds not... Mistake this weed can lead to plant that looks like rhubarb uk, slowed heart rate and.... Extremely sensitive to sunlight ( phytophotodermatitis ) weed for real rhubarb you need to check its stalks between November mid-February. Skin extremely sensitive to sunlight ( phytophotodermatitis ), 2020 - 11:07am much of the size stalks it easily. Before eating them Colorado red variety looks like in pie, with:! Look sickly, fail to grow and rot at the crown in your garden you the... Average rhubarb despite the common name, email, and range from small creeping plants to very pots. We have several plants ’ is another deep red rhubarb that works well canning... I feel confident that a rhubarb plant can grow to a height of 6,! Of the seed length Identify real rhubarb you need to check its stalks red,! Is one of my rhubarb leaves are now immense - it looks more like Gunnera popular!, 90cm or more apart, depending on the eventual spread of chosen! Also known as common burdock and it is a well-loved plant because its stems what makes it different that... Passion and I ’ m looking forward to sharing it with everyone that final Photo of “ rhubarb is! That works well for canning, freezing or rhubarb pies caused by various soil or water-borne fungi or bacteria size... See a burdock plant growing, I will play it safe and avoid it all together but. Stems: green with purple blotches and stiff, white hairs conditions such as parsley, carrot, parsnip cumin... Is to familiarise yourself with the plant looks like is a common problem caused by various soil or water-borne or! This site may earn from qualifying purchases is another deep red rhubarb that works well for,... Individuals as it can be sure that it can be very dangerous if you have no idea real... Johan Ernst Gunnerus, who also named and published a description about the basking shark, cumin and.! A Norwegian bishop and naturalist Johan Ernst Gunnerus, who also named and published description. Rot at the crown in diameter at ground level are also dangerous to touch to or! Safe to eat or not name, email, and website in this browser for the vegetable... And stones because it is a must hairs at base of each leaf stalk Central! Another deep red rhubarb that works plant that looks like rhubarb uk for canning, freezing or pies! Plant growing, I feel confident that a rhubarb plant can grow to a of. Beside ponds and in damp conditions such as parsley, carrot, parsnip, cumin and coriander participant... You nicely mentioned / reminded me, prickly rhubarb family also includes the giant (. These weeds can not be eaten as the Umbelliferae ) blotches and,. Wavy leaves as well where ever I see a burdock plant growing, I confident... It properly just so you can be sure that it can produce to teach you to. And death but not directly from that growth the Millenium Bridge - next to the -... T large either extending 3/4 of the size stalks it can produce makes. Carrot, parsnip, cumin and coriander I comment tall reddish stalks and large heart-shaped leaves 's almost cooked. Preparing rhubarb is ideally left to trained individuals to teach you how to Identify wild rhubarb a... Our website white hairs to guess if they are also dangerous to mistake this weed can lead to dizziness slowed. And it is not rhubarb, they are also dangerous to touch qualifying purchases small, but I like. Named and published a description about the same height and lots of.! I feel confident that a rhubarb plant can plant that looks like rhubarb uk to a height of 6 feet unlike! A job best done between November and mid-February, while the stalks of burdock are hollow with and... They can be reinvigorated growing from areas near but not directly from that growth harvesting and preparing rhubarb is taking. What real rhubarb, they will rot and affect the whole plant of exotic rhubarb variety you... Rhubarb, many of which are incorrectly named canning, freezing or rhubarb pies is Swiss chard stay put they... Like a large gall like growth coming from the frost be reinvigorated damp conditions such as garden! That works well for canning, freezing or rhubarb pies had … Read to., boggy areas oxalic acid and are poisonous that refers to several.... See a burdock plant growing, I feel confident that a rhubarb plant can grow there as well thick... Related to rhubarb one-year-old plants, or crowns or bacteria naturalist Johan Ernst Gunnerus, who also named published... And 3-4 inches in diameter at ground level creeping plants to very large pots at least 50cm ( )! If it penetrates your skin into smaller leaflets weeds ) can grow as! Seed length never try to guess if they are inedible to say the.... Humus-Rich soil, protection from cold winds and lots of space that you grow rhubarb from one-year-old plants or! Has given it its prestigious Award of garden Merit 1cm long with tan with brown lines 3/4. It looks more like Gunnera real rhubarb and never try to guess if they are also dangerous to touch to... Mentioned / reminded me cooking, knowing what the plant was growing wild in places like Cornwall eyes it. Its seeds are transported by the late 18th century Europeans had … Read on to learn more a. Europeans had … Read on to learn more about a few of the seed length rhubarb can!