Rhubarb Rheum × hybridum 'Grandad's Favorite'

Names

• Synonyms

  Rhubarb, Pieplant.

• Common names

  Rheum × hybridum 'Grandad's Favorite'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides, which are toxic to humans if consumed in large quantities. Eating the leaves can lead to symptoms like burning in the mouth and throat, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can cause kidney problems, seizures, coma, and potentially death due to oxalic acid's ability to bind with calcium in the body, leading to hypocalcemia and kidney damage.

• To pets

  Rhubarb is toxic to pets due to the oxalic acid in its leaves. If pets, such as dogs or cats, ingest the leaves, they might experience symptoms like drooling, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and weakness. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney failure, difficulty urinating, tremors, and in some instances, it could be fatal if not treated promptly. It's important to keep pets away from rhubarb plants, particularly the leaves.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Height

  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)

• Spread

  2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3-8

• Native area

  Asia

General Benefits

• Edible Parts: Rheum × hybridum 'Grandad's Favorite', commonly known as rhubarb, has edible stalks that are often used in pies, jams, and desserts.
• Culinary Uses: Rhubarb's tart flavor adds a unique taste to culinary dishes and pairs well with sweet ingredients.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Rhubarb plants have large, decorative leaves and can produce vibrant red stalks adding visual interest to gardens.
• Easy Cultivation: Rhubarb is a hardy perennial that can be relatively easy to grow in a variety of climates.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal maintenance once established, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
• Long-Lived: As a perennial plant, rhubarb can produce harvests for many years from the same plant.
• Soil Improvement: Rhubarb can help to break up heavy soils with its extensive root system.
• Companion Planting: Can be used in companion planting strategies to deter pests and enhance the growth of other plants.

Medical Properties

• Digestive Aid: The rhubarb plant, which Rheum × hybridum 'Grandad's Favorite' is a part of, has been traditionally used as a laxative due to the presence of anthraquinones which stimulate bowel movements.
• Anti-inflammatory: Rhubarb may possess anti-inflammatory properties which can be beneficial for reducing inflammation in the body.
• Antioxidant: It contains compounds like anthocyanins and vitamin C, which are known for their antioxidant activities, potentially helping to protect cells from oxidative stress.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Rhubarb leaves can be used as a natural dye, producing a range of colors from soft yellows to rich greens depending on the mordant used.
• The fibers from rhubarb stalks can be extracted and used to make paper or textiles, taking advantage of their silk-like qualities.
• Large rhubarb leaves can be used as biodegradable plates for outdoor dining, adding an eco-friendly and creative touch to a meal.
• Rhubarb can be incorporated into art projects, with its vivid red stalks used to create botanical prints or natural art installations.
• Non-food parts of the rhubarb plant can be composted to enrich garden soil with nutrients, promoting healthier growth in other plants.
• The stalks of rhubarb can be hollowed out and used as natural, biodegradable straws in beverages for an eco-conscious alternative to plastic.
• Because of its bright color and large leaves, rhubarb can serve as a decorative element in garden landscape design.
• Dried and preserved rhubarb stalks can be used in craft projects for creating wreaths, ornaments, or other decorative items.
• The acid content in rhubarb leaves can be used as a natural cleaning agent for pots and pans with burnt-on food.
• As a natural pest repellent, rhubarb leaves can be boiled and the liquid utilized to repel certain insects in the garden.

Feng Shui

The rhubarb is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The rhubarb is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing and Medicinal Properties: Often associated with medicinal uses due to the rhubarb's historical application in traditional medicine.
• Reflection and Calmness: The large leaves and robust growth can symbolize introspection and the ability to thrive in adversity, inspiring calmness in challenging situations.
• Bitterness with Sweet Potential: Rhubarb's bitter taste can signify life's challenges, but when sweetened in pies, it represents the idea that with effort, bitter experiences can lead to positive outcomes.
• Prosperity and Abundance: As a plant that can grow vigorously and produce large leaves and stalks, rhubarb can symbolize growth, wealth, and abundance in one's life.