If you’re trying to identify a large-leafed plant in your garden, you might be looking at plants that look like rhubarb. Several striking plants mimic rhubarb’s large, textured leaves and red stems without being edible.
This can be confusing and even dangerous, as some look-alikes are toxic. Knowing the differences helps you garden safely and choose the right ornamental plants.
This guide will show you the most common rhubarb doppelgängers. You will learn how to tell them apart by their leaves, stems, flowers, and growth habits.
Plants That Look Like Rhubarb
Many plants share rhubarb’s dramatic appearance. They often have big, heart-shaped leaves and thick stalks. However, their details vary widely.
Correct identification is crucial. Real rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is a vegetable grown for its edible stalks. Its leaves, however, contain toxic oxalic acid and are poisonous.
The imposters on this list are usually ornamental. Some are harmless, while others pose serious health risks if ingested. Let’s break them down one by one.
Burdock (Arctium Spp.)
Burdock is a biennial plant often mistaken for rhubarb in its first year. It forms a low rosette of very large, heart-shaped leaves.
The leaves are dark green and slightly fuzzy underneath. Unlike rhubarb, burdock stalks are not red and are not used for cooking.
In its second year, burdock sends up a tall, branching stem with purple thistle-like flowers. These develop into the sticky burs that cling to animal fur and clothing.
Key Differences From Rhubarb
- Stalks are green, not red.
- Leaves are fuzzier on the underside.
- It produces clinging burs, not a edible stalk.
- The plant has a distinct, earthy smell when the leaves are crushed.
Gunnera (Gunnera Manicata)
Often called “giant rhubarb,” Gunnera is the most dramatic look-alike. It is a colossal ornamental plant used for landscaping.
Its leaves can grow over 6 feet wide on stalks that reach 8 feet tall. It creates a prehistoric, jungle-like effect in gardens with ample space and water.
Gunnera is not edible and its leaves are covered in coarse, prickly hairs. It thrives in very wet, boggy conditions near ponds or streams.
Key Differences From Rhubarb
- Immense size, far larger than any rhubarb plant.
- Leaves have a rough, sandpapery texture with prickly hairs.
- Prefers constantly wet soil, whereas rhubarb likes well-drained earth.
- Produces a cone-like flower spike, not small white flowers.
Swiss Chard (Beta Vulgaris Subsp. Vulgaris)
Swiss chard, particularly the “Rhubarb Chard” variety, is a edible garden vegetable that closely mimics rhubarb’s color.
It features brilliant crimson stalks and deep green, crumpled leaves. The visual similarity is uncanny, especially from a distance.
However, chard is a leafy green. You eat the leaves and the stalks. It is grown as an annual or biennial and does not form the large, perennial crown that rhubarb does.
Key Differences From Rhubarb
- Both the leaf and stalk of chard are edible and nutritious.
- It is a shorter plant, typically harvested when leaves are young.
- Grows as a loose cluster of leaves, not from a large, dense crown.
- The leaf texture is softer and thinner than rhubarb’s thick, heavily veined leaves.
Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana)
Pokeweed is a native plant that is highly toxic. Young pokeweed shoots with their red stems can be mistaken for rhubarb, which is a dangerous error.
As it matures, pokeweed develops a large, branching form with green stems that turn a distinctive dark purple. It produces hanging clusters of dark purple berries.
All parts of the pokeweed plant are poisonous to humans and many animals. Birds are the only creatures that safetly eat the berries.
Key Differences From Rhubarb
- Mature stems are a deep purple, not the vibrant red or green of rhubarb.
- Produces long racemes of dark berries, which rhubarb does not.
- Leaves are smoother and more lance-shaped, less crumpled than rhubarb.
- The entire plant is toxic, with no edible parts.
Brazilian Rhubarb (Gunnera Tinctoria)
Similar to its larger cousin, Brazilian Rhubarb is another Gunnera species. It is slightly smaller but still massive compared to edible rhubarb.
It is considered an invasive species in many mild, wet climates like parts of the UK and New Zealand. It spreads aggressively by seed.
Its leaves are deeply lobed and can measure several feet across. The leaf stalks are covered in noticeable spikes or bristles.
Key Differences From Rhubarb
- Leaf stalks and undersides are densely covered with stiff, spikey hairs.
- Considered a problematic invasive plant in many regions.
- Forms a taller, more conical flower spike than common Gunnera.
- It’s size and habitat are not suitable for a vegetable garden.
Canberra Bells (Rheum Palmatum)
This is an ornamental rhubarb species. While it is in the same genus as edible rhubarb, it is not grown for food.
Rheum palmatum is prized for its stunning foliage and tall, feathery flower plumes. The leaves are deeply cut and palmate, unlike the more solid heart-shape of garden rhubarb.
It is a spectacular architectural plant. The flower stalks can rise 6 to 8 feet high, making it a dramatic focal point.
Key Differences From Edible Rhubarb
- Leaves are deeply lobed and dissected, almost maple-like.
- Grown purely for ornamental value; stalks are not considered tasty.
- Flowers are showy, tall plumes, often pink or red.
- It offers less of a harvestable crop than its culinary cousin.
Common Sorrel (Rumex Acetosa)
Common sorrel is a perennial herb with leaves that resemble young rhubarb leaves. It has a similar growth habit, forming a clump of green, arrow-shaped leaves.
The key visual difference is the lack of red stalks. Sorrel stalks are typically green. The leaves have a distinct, sharp lemony flavor used in soups and salads.
Like rhubarb, sorrel leaves contain oxalic acid, but they are consumed in smaller quantities as a herb or salad green.
Key Differences From Rhubarb
- Stalks are predominantly green.
- Leaves have a pronounced sour, citrusy taste.
- The plant remains much smaller and is harvested for its leaves.
- It does not develop the thick, juicy stalks characteristic of rhubarb.
How To Identify True Rhubarb
To avoid confusion, you should know the definitive characteristics of edible garden rhubarb. This will help you make a positive ID in your yard or at the nursery.
Leaf Shape And Texture
Rhubarb leaves are large, broad, and heart-shaped with wavy or crumpled edges. They have a thick, almost leathery texture with pronounced veins on the underside.
The leaves are toxic due to oxalic acid and should never be eaten. They emerge from the crown on long, stout stalks called petioles.
Stalk Color And Structure
The edible stalks are the most recognizable feature. Colors range from vibrant crimson and pink to speckled pink and even light green, depending on the variety.
Stalks are crisp, juicy, and fibrous. They are not hollow. They should pull away cleanly from the base of the plant with a gentle twist, not a cut.
Flowers And Seeds
Rhubarb produces a tall, central flower stalk covered in tiny, creamy-white flowers. This usually happens in late spring or early summer.
For the best stalk production, you should cut this flower stalk off as soon as it appears. Letting it go to seed diverts energy from the edible parts.
Growth Habit And Crown
Rhubarb is a hardy perennial. It grows from a large, woody mass called a crown. Each spring, new stalks emerge directly from this crown.
The plant goes completely dormant in winter, with all top growth dying back after a hard frost. It requires a period of cold dormancy to thrive the next year.
Safety First: Toxic Plants To Avoid
Misidentification can have serious consequences. You must learn to recognize the dangerous plants that share rhubarb’s look.
Pokeweed: The Most Dangerous Look-Alike
As mentioned, pokeweed is highly toxic. Ingestion can cause severe vomiting, convulsions, and respiratory failure.
Never consume any part of a plant you suspect to be pokeweed. The roots and mature berries are especially poisonous. Eradicate it from areas where children or pets play.
Foxglove (Digitalis Purpurea)
While not a perfect match, young foxglove rosettes can sometimes be confused with rhubarb from a quick glance. Foxglove leaves are more oblong and fuzzy.
This plant is the source of the heart medicine digitalis. Ingesting any part can be fatal. It is identified by its tall spike of bell-shaped flowers in its second year.
Rhubarb Leaves Themselves
A critical reminder: the leaf blade of edible rhubarb is not safe. It contains high levels of oxalic acid and possibly other toxins.
Always trim the leaf off the stalk and compost it. Only the stalk is edible and requires cooking for most uses, like pies and sauces.
Growing Ornamental Rhubarb Look-Alikes
If you love the aesthetic but don’t want the edible plant, these ornamental options can provide the drama.
Choosing The Right Plant For Your Garden
Consider your space and climate. Gunnera needs massive space and constant moisture. Ornamental rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) is more manageable for medium-sized gardens.
For foliage color, red-stemmed Swiss chard provides a similar pop in vegetable or ornamental beds. It’s an annual, so you can change your garden easily each year.
Site Preparation And Planting
Most large-leafed plants prefer rich, moisture-retentive soil. Amend your planting hole with plenty of compost or well-rotted manure.
Check the mature size. Give each plant ample room to reach its full width without crowding other plants or structures. This prevents disease and promotes healthy growth.
Ongoing Care And Maintenance
- Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells for moisture-loving plants like Gunnera.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to conserve water and suppress weeds.
- For perennial types, cut back dead foliage in late autumn after frost to tidy the garden.
- Divide overgrown clumps of ornamental rhubarb in early spring every few years to rejuvenate them.
FAQ: Plants That Look Like Rhubarb
What Plant Looks Like Rhubarb But Is Poisonous?
Pokeweed is the most common poisonous plant mistaken for rhubarb. Its young red stems can be confusing. Gunnera is not edible but is primarily an irritant, while foxglove is a toxic look-alike at the rosette stage.
Is There A Wild Plant That Resembles Rhubarb?
Yes. Burdock is a common wild plant with large leaves like rhubarb. Pokeweed also grows wild in many areas. In some regions, the invasive Brazilian Rhubarb (Gunnera tinctoria) has escaped cultivation and grows wild.
How Can I Be Sure My Plant Is Edible Rhubarb?
Check for the combination of large, heart-shaped toxic leaves and thick, edible stalks (usually red). The stalks should pull from a large perennial crown. If you see purple berries, prickly hairs on stalks, or thistle flowers, it is not edible rhubarb. When in doubt, do not eat it.
Can You Eat Ornamental Rhubarb?
No. Ornamental rhubarb species, like Rheum palmatum, are not bred for flavor or food safety. Their stalks are typically tough, stringy, and may have higher concentrations of oxalic acid. They should be grown only for their visual appeal.
Why Does My Rhubarb Have Green Stalks?
Some rhubarb varieties naturally have green stalks, like ‘Victoria’. It is still edible. Stalk color is influenced by variety, age, and sunlight exposure. Less sunlight often results in greener stalks, even on red varieties, but they are still safe to harvest and cook.