University of Wisconsin-Madison | Botany Plant Growth Facilities

Botanical Garden

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Genus: Rheum Species: rhabarbarum Common Name: Rhubarb Family: Polygonaceae Order: Caryophyllales Native: Manchuria Habit: Herbaceous Perennial Height: 2 to 5 feet Width: 3 to 4 feet Flowering Season: Spring Flower Color: White-green-red Propagation: Seed or division Zone: 3-8 Note: This plant is suitable for vegetable gardens (edible leaf stalk), or perennial borders. The leaves are poisonous and, therefore, should not be ingested. This plant should be divided once every 3 to 4 years. Do not harvest the stalks in fthe irst year. Monitor plant for stalk borers, rhubarb curculio, beetles, and crown rot. Prefers sunny to partly shady, moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil.