What Plant Looks Like Rhubarb? (With Pictures and Differences)

Rhubarb: The Plant That Looks Like It Shouldn’t

Rhubarb is a strange and wonderful plant. It’s a perennial that grows in cool climates, and it produces large, tart leaves and stalks that are edible. But what many people don’t know is that rhubarb also looks a lot like another plant that’s poisonous: the giant hogweed.

Giant hogweed is a dangerous plant that can cause skin irritation, blindness, and even death. It’s important to be able to tell the difference between rhubarb and giant hogweed, so you don’t accidentally ingest a poisonous plant.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at rhubarb and giant hogweed, and we’ll learn how to tell them apart. We’ll also discuss the benefits of rhubarb and how to use it in the kitchen.

Plant	Description	Image
Rhubarb	A perennial plant with large, green leaves and red stalks.
Dock	A perennial plant with long, narrow leaves and yellow flowers.
Sorrel	A perennial plant with small, green leaves and yellow flowers.

Rhubarb is a perennial plant that is grown for its edible stalks. It is a member of the Polygonaceae family, which also includes buckwheat, sorrel, and knotweed. Rhubarb is native to Asia and Europe, but it is now grown in many parts of the world. The stalks of rhubarb are tart and sour, and they are often used in pies, jams, and other desserts. The leaves of rhubarb are poisonous, so they should not be eaten.

What is rhubarb?

Rhubarb is a tall, leafy plant with thick, fleshy stalks. The leaves are green and lobed, and the stalks are red or pink. Rhubarb plants can grow to be up to 4 feet tall. They are typically grown in gardens, but they can also be grown in containers.

Rhubarb’s scientific name

The scientific name of rhubarb is Rheum rhaponticum. The genus name, Rheum, comes from the Greek word rheo, which means “to flow.” The species name, rhaponticum, comes from the Greek word rhapontikon, which means “sour.”

Rhubarb’s family

Rhubarb is a member of the Polygonaceae family. This family includes over 1,000 species of plants, including buckwheat, sorrel, and knotweed. Polygonaceae plants are characterized by their jointed stems and their alternate leaves.

Rhubarb’s history

Rhubarb has been cultivated for centuries. It is native to Asia and Europe, but it is now grown in many parts of the world. The earliest records of rhubarb cultivation date back to the 2nd century BC. Rhubarb was introduced to North America by European settlers in the 17th century.

What plants look like rhubarb?

There are a number of plants that look like rhubarb. Some of the most common include:

• Dock
• Sorrel
• Knotweed
• Rheum palmatum
• Rheum tanguticum

Characteristics of plants that look like rhubarb

Plants that look like rhubarb share a number of common characteristics. These include:

• They are all tall, leafy plants with thick, fleshy stalks.
• They all have green leaves that are lobed or divided.
• They all have red or pink stalks.
• They all produce small, white flowers.

Differences between rhubarb and plants that look like it

Rhubarb can be distinguished from plants that look like it by a number of characteristics. These include:

• The leaves of rhubarb are smooth, while the leaves of other plants that look like it are often hairy.
• The stalks of rhubarb are tart and sour, while the stalks of other plants that look like it are not.
• The flowers of rhubarb are small and white, while the flowers of other plants that look like it are often larger and more colorful.

Rhubarb is a delicious and versatile plant that is enjoyed by people all over the world. It is important to be able to identify rhubarb from plants that look like it, so that you can avoid eating poisonous plants.

3. How to tell if a plant is rhubarb?

Rhubarb is a perennial plant that is grown for its edible stalks. It is a member of the buckwheat family and is related to sorrel, dock, and knotweed. Rhubarb plants can grow up to 4 feet tall and have large, lobed leaves. The stalks are red or green and are tart and sour in flavor.

There are a few ways to tell if a plant is rhubarb.

• Visual cues: Rhubarb plants have large, lobed leaves that are green or red. The stalks are also red or green and are typically thick and fleshy.
• Taste: Rhubarb stalks are tart and sour in flavor. If you taste a plant and it is sour, it is likely rhubarb.
• Smell: Rhubarb plants have a distinctive smell that is slightly sweet and sour. If you smell a plant and it smells like rhubarb, it is likely rhubarb.
• Touch: Rhubarb stalks are firm and fleshy. If you touch a plant and it feels firm and fleshy, it is likely rhubarb.

4. Safety precautions when handling rhubarb

Rhubarb is a safe plant to eat, but it is important to take precautions when handling it. The leaves of rhubarb plants contain a chemical called oxalic acid, which can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. The stalks of rhubarb plants are safe to eat, but the leaves should be discarded.

Here are some safety precautions to take when handling rhubarb:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling rhubarb. This will help to prevent the spread of oxalic acid to other surfaces.
• Do not eat the leaves of rhubarb plants. The leaves contain oxalic acid, which can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.
• Cook rhubarb stalks thoroughly before eating them. This will help to break down the oxalic acid and make it less harmful.
• Do not give rhubarb to children under the age of 5. Children are more sensitive to the effects of oxalic acid than adults.

If you experience any symptoms of oxalic acid poisoning after eating rhubarb, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, seek medical attention immediately.

Rhubarb is a delicious and nutritious plant that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. However, it is important to take precautions when handling rhubarb to avoid the risk of oxalic acid poisoning. By following the safety precautions listed above, you can safely enjoy all the benefits of this delicious plant.

What plant looks like rhubarb?

There are a few plants that can be confused with rhubarb, including:

• Dock (Rumex crispus)
• Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella)
• Rhubarb leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia)

Dock is a common weed that can be found in many gardens and landscapes. It has large, green leaves that are similar in appearance to rhubarb leaves. However, dock leaves are typically more triangular in shape and have a serrated edge, while rhubarb leaves are more rounded and have a smooth edge. Dock leaves also have a slightly bitter taste, while rhubarb leaves are sweet and tart.

Sorrel is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It has small, green leaves that are similar in appearance to rhubarb leaves. However, sorrel leaves are typically more delicate and have a more pronounced lemony flavor, while rhubarb leaves are thicker and have a more tart flavor.

Rhubarb leaf lettuce is a type of lettuce that is grown for its large, green leaves. It is often used as a substitute for rhubarb in recipes, as the leaves have a similar flavor. However, rhubarb leaf lettuce is not as tart as rhubarb, and it does not contain the same amount of nutrients.

How can I tell the difference between rhubarb and these other plants?

There are a few ways to tell the difference between rhubarb and these other plants:

• Leaf shape: Rhubarb leaves are typically more rounded and have a smooth edge, while dock leaves are more triangular in shape and have a serrated edge. Sorrel leaves are also more delicate and have a more pronounced lemony flavor, while rhubarb leaves are thicker and have a more tart flavor.
• Taste: Rhubarb leaves are sweet and tart, while dock leaves have a slightly bitter taste and sorrel leaves have a more pronounced lemony flavor.
• Nutritional content: Rhubarb is a good source of vitamins and minerals, while dock and sorrel are not as nutrient-dense.

Is it safe to eat rhubarb leaves?

The leaves of rhubarb plants contain a chemical called oxalic acid, which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. In general, it is not recommended to eat rhubarb leaves, as they can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, small amounts of rhubarb leaves can be used in cooking, as long as they are cooked thoroughly.

What are some other plants that look like rhubarb?

There are a few other plants that can be confused with rhubarb, including:

• Rhubarb chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla)
• Red leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa)
• Red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra)

These plants are all edible, but they have a different flavor and nutritional content than rhubarb. Rhubarb chard is a type of beet that has large, green leaves that are similar in appearance to rhubarb leaves. Red leaf lettuce is a type of lettuce that has red leaves. Red cabbage is a type of cabbage that has red leaves.

How can I avoid mistaking these plants for rhubarb?

There are a few things you can do to avoid mistaking these plants for rhubarb:

• Read the plant tag: If you are not sure what a plant is, always read the plant tag. This will tell you the name of the plant and any potential hazards.
• Ask a gardening expert: If you are still not sure what a plant is, ask a gardening expert. They will be able to identify the plant and tell you if it is safe to eat.
• Do your research: If you are interested in growing rhubarb, do your research before you start. This will help you learn about the different varieties of rhubarb, how to grow it, and how to harvest it.

  Rhubarb is a tart, perennial plant that is often used in pies, crumbles, and other desserts. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. However, there are several other plants that can be mistaken for rhubarb, including the following:

• Dock: Dock has long, green leaves that are similar to rhubarb leaves. However, dock leaves are more pointed and have a serrated edge, while rhubarb leaves are more rounded and have a smooth edge. Dock leaves are also more bitter than rhubarb leaves.
• Rheum: Rheum is a type of rhubarb that is native to Asia. It has large, green leaves that are similar to rhubarb leaves. However, rheum leaves are more crinkled than rhubarb leaves. Rheum is also more difficult to grow than rhubarb.
• Sorrel: Sorrel has long, green leaves that are similar to rhubarb leaves. However, sorrel leaves are more sour than rhubarb leaves. Sorrel is also a good source of vitamin C.

It is important to be able to identify rhubarb correctly in order to avoid accidentally eating poisonous plants. If you are unsure whether a plant is rhubarb, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid eating it.