15 Plants That Look Like Rhubarb: A Guide to Identifying Garden Gems

Last Updated on May 21, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

Do you have a green thumb? If so, you’re probably always on the lookout for new plants to add to your garden. Rhubarb is a popular plant that many gardeners like to grow, but did you know there are other plants that look like rhubarb?

In this blog post, we will discuss 15 plants that look like rhubarb and provide tips on how to identify them. So if you’re looking for some new gems to add to your garden, read on!

15 Plants That Look Like Rhubarb

1. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris).

This plant is often mistaken for rhubarb because of its thick, red stalks. However, beetroot is actually a root vegetable that is related to spinach and Swiss chard. While it can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled, most people are familiar with beetroot as an ingredient in salads or as a garnish.

If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon a patch of wild beetroot, you’ll know it by its deep red leaves and stems. The plant’s flowers are also edible and make a beautiful addition to salads.

Beetroot is a hardy plant that can grow in most climates, so if you’re looking to add some color to your garden, this is the plant for you.

2. Bog Rhubarb (Petasites japonicus).

Bog rhubarb is a plant that looks like rhubarb, but it’s actually a member of the daisy family. The leaves are large and leathery, and the plant can grow up to six feet tall.

Bog rhubarb is native to Asia, but it has been introduced to North America and Europe.

3. Brazilian Giant rhubarb (Gunnera manicata).

This plant is often mistaken for rhubarb, but it is actually a member of the nettle family. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and has huge leaves that can measure up to four feet across!

The Brazilian Giant rhubarb is native to Brazil, but it can be found in other parts of South America as well.

4. Burdock weed (Arctium asteraceae).

This perennial herb has a rosette of large, dark green leaves and can grow up to two feet tall. The flowers are small, white, and clustered together in the shape of a cone. The plant’s taproot is thick and fleshy, making it resemble a miniature version of its namesake vegetable.

Burdock weed is native to Europe and Asia but can now be found in North America as well. It’s often considered a nuisance plant because it’s difficult to control once it takes root.

However, burdock weed is also known for its medicinal properties. The leaves can be used to make a tea that is said to relieve cold symptoms, and the roots can be roasted and eaten as a root vegetable.

5. Canaigre Dock (Rumex hymenosepalus).

Canaigre is a perennial herb in the buckwheat family, native to North America. The plant grows up to four feet tall and has large, triangular leaves that are green on top and white underneath.

The flowers are small and green, and the fruit is a dark brown seed. Canaigre is commonly found in gardens and is often used as an ornamental plant. The root of the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including colds and flu.

6. Greater Burdock (Arctium lappa).

You might not think that a plant named “burdock” would be something you’d want in your garden. But this member of the Asteraceae family is actually quite attractive, with its large, dark green leaves and violet-colored flowers.

And it’s not just a pretty face – greater burdock is also edible, with a taste similar to that of rhubarb.

7. Indian Rhubarb (Darmera peltata).

A member of the saxifrage family, Indian rhubarb is a large herbaceous perennial that can grow up to six feet tall. It has glossy green leaves and bears clusters of small, pink flowers in late spring or early summer.

The plant’s fleshy, red roots are edible and have a tart flavor similar to that of rhubarb. Indian rhubarb is native to the western United States and can be found in damp, wooded areas.

8. Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica).

Many people mistake this plant for rhubarb, but it is actually a member of the buckwheat family. It is an invasive species in North America and can be difficult to control once it takes hold.

Japanese Knotweed has large, heart-shaped leaves and grows in dense clumps. The stems are hollow and can be reddish or purple in color. The flowers are small and white, and they bloom in late summer.

9. Monk’s Rhubarb (Rumex alpinus).

This perennial is a member of the buckwheat family and can grow up to four feet tall. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a deep Burgundy stem.

The flowers are small and green, blooming in July and August. Monk’s Rhubarb is native to Europe and Asia, but can be found in North America as well.

If you’re lucky enough to have Monk’s Rhubarb in your garden, you can use the leaves in salads or cooked as greens. The stems can be used in pies or jams, or simply eaten raw. When cooking with Monk’s Rhubarb, be sure to remove the skin from the stem as it can be bitter.

10. Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum).

This flowering plant in the carrot family can be found throughout North America, and is particularly common in the eastern United States.

Poison hemlock is a biennial herb that grows to be about six feet tall, with hollow stems that are purplish in color and spotted with red or white.

The leaves of poison hemlock are large and fern-like, and the plant produces small white flowers in clusters. All parts of poison hemlock are poisonous, and ingestion of even a small amount can be fatal.

11. Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana).

This plant is also known as American nightshade and pokeberry. Pokeweed is a perennial herb that can grow up to ten feet tall. The leaves are large and oval-shaped with pointed tips.

The stems are green or red and the flowers are small and white. The fruit of pokeweed is a blackberry-like drupe that contains seeds that are poisonous to humans.

Pokeweed is native to the eastern United States and can be found in woods, fields, and along roadsides. It is considered a weed by many gardeners but pokeweed has several uses. The young leaves can be cooked and eaten as greens. The berries can be made into jelly or wine.

Related: How To Get Rid Of Pokeweed

12. Pricky rhubarb (Gunnera spp.).

Pricky rhubarb is a genus of flowering plants in the family Gunneraceae, native to temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere. The most notable feature of these plants is their enormous leaves, which can grow up to three meters in length. Rhubarb is also known for its thick, fleshy stalks and tart flavor.

13. Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus).

is a plant in the Araceae family, native to eastern North America. The large, purplish-green leaves of skunk cabbage look like rhubarb leaves and can grow up to two feet long.

The plant’s flowers are small and yellow, clustered together in a spadix (a thick, fleshy stalk). Skunk cabbage gets its name from the foul-smelling odor it emits when in bloom.

These plants are actually quite valuable. Skunk cabbage is one of the first plants to bloom in spring, making it an important food source for bees and other pollinators. The plant’s large leaves can also be used as a natural umbrella in rain or snow.

14. Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris).

Swiss chard is a leafy vegetable that is often mistaken for rhubarb. The two plants are actually quite different, but they do share some similarities. Swiss chard is a member of the beet family and is native to the Mediterranean region.

It has been cultivated for centuries and was even mentioned in the Old Testament. The leaves of Swiss chard are dark green and have a slightly bitter taste. The stalks are thick and fleshy, and they can be either white or red.

Swiss chard is a nutritious vegetable that is high in vitamins A, C, and K. It is also a good source of iron and fiber. Swiss chard can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is often used in soups and salads.

15. Wild Rhubarb or lesser burdock (Arctium minus).

The plant is a native of Europe and Asia and has naturalized in North America. It is found in disturbed habitats, such as roadsides and waste places.

The leaves are large and heart-shaped with prickly margins. The flowers are small and reddish-purple, borne in dense heads. The fruits are dry, winged seeds that are dispersed by the wind.

FAQs

How do you tell the difference between rhubarb and burdock?

There are a few key differences that you can look for when trying to identify these two plants. For one, rhubarb leaves are large and broad, while burdock leaves are much narrower.

Additionally, rhubarb stalks are typically red or green, while burdock stalks are brown or black. Finally, burdock has small, burr-like seeds on its stalks, while rhubarb does not.

What is similar to rhubarb?

There are a few things that are similar to rhubarb, including the plant itself and its leaves. Rhubarb is a member of the buckwheat family, so it is related to plants like sorrel and knotweed. The leaves of rhubarb are also similar to those of other plants in the buckwheat family.

Rhubarb is also similar to other plants in its growing habits. It is a perennial plant that grows best in cool weather and dies back in the winter. Rhubarb is also a hardy plant that can tolerate poor soils and drought.

Are there poisonous plants that look like rhubarb?

There are a few plants that resemble rhubarb, but they’re not actually related. The most common lookalike is buckthorn (Rhamnus spp.). All parts of this plant are poisonous, and it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death if ingested.

So be sure to keep an eye out for these imposters! Other plants that resemble rhubarb include nightshade (Solanum spp.) and dogbane (Apocynum spp.). Both of these plants are also poisonous, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid them altogether.

What is the plant that looks like giant rhubarb?

It’s called gunnera. Gunnera is a genus of flowering plants in the family Haloragaceae. The genus includes approximately 80 species, all native to the Southern Hemisphere. Gunnera is named after Johan Ernst Gunnerus, a Norwegian botanist and bishop.

Gunnera plants are herbaceous perennials that grow to be anywhere from 0.75-25 meters tall. The leaves are simple and vary in size from small (15 centimeters) to large (up to three meters). The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with most species being pollinated by bees or flies.

Is wild rhubarb burdock?

This is a question that many people ask, and it can be difficult to answer. While there are some similarities between the two plants, they are actually quite different.

Wild rhubarb grows in damp areas such as woods or along streams. It has large leaves with deeply lobed edges, and its stems are thick and red. Burdock, on the other hand, prefers dryer habitats such as fields or roadsides. Its leaves are much smaller and its stems are thinner and brown.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many plants that look like rhubarb. Some of these plants are edible, while others are not. By taking the time to learn about these plants, you can ensure that you correctly identify them and enjoy them in your garden. Thanks for reading!