If the plant has not produced any buds or burrs yet and is under 4 feet tall, look at the underside of the leaves. If there's a coat of fuzz under the leaf, it's burdock, but if the underside of the leaf is smooth, it's rhubarb.
How do I know what kind of rhubarb I have?
Rhubarb varieties are classified as red, green, or speckled (pink). Most people prefer the red stalked types, although the green ones are generally more productive. Red stemmed types are not necessarily sweeter because color and sweetness are not always related.
Is there a poisonous plant that looks like rhubarb?
Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) produces fernlike leaves; to the untrained eye, the stalks resemble those of rhubarb. These invasive, weedy plants thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 10. You can distinguish this poisonous plant from rhubarb by looking at the stalks.Sep 2, 2013
How can you tell if rhubarb is poisonous?
If the stalks are firm and upright and the leaves have little damage, the rhubarb is OK. Discard the damaged ones and enjoy the stalks that grow later. As with anything, when in doubt, don't eat it. Consuming large amounts of oxalic acid could affect your heart, digestive system and respiratory system.May 28, 2015
Is there a plant that looks like rhubarb but is poisonous?
Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) produces fernlike leaves; to the untrained eye, the stalks resemble those of rhubarb. These invasive, weedy plants thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 10. You can distinguish this poisonous plant from rhubarb by looking at the stalks.Sep 2, 2013
How can you tell if rhubarb is wild?
Wild rhubarb is often found on the roadside, waste areas, pastures and ditch banks. It has dark green, wooly leaves and hollow stalks. Prior to harvesting, ensure that the plant is healthy and free of diseases.Jul 28, 2020
How can you tell if rhubarb is edible?
When to Harvest Rhubarb When you're looking at the stalks, the color doesn't indicate readiness, so don't worry if your rhubarb stalks are not completely red. Instead, look at the length. The stalks are ready to harvest when they're between 7 and 15 inches long.Jun 4, 2020
How do you tell the difference between rhubarb and burdock?
The mature leaves of Burdock are less curly than rhubarb, and the undersides of the leaves are "wooly" or "hairy", unlike rhubarb. The stalks of Burdock are hollow, while the stalks of rhubarb are solid. Burdock plants (weeds) can grow to a height of 6 feet, unlike rhubarb plants.