// SPECIES PROFILE · FOOD CROP · CULTIVATED

Rhubarb

Rheum × hybridum

Rhubarb (Rheum × hybridum) is a cultivated perennial food crop grown for its edible stem. Family: Polygonaceae (buckwheat family). Originally from Siberia & China. Hardy in zones 3a–8a. Mature size 2'–3'. Harvest in northeastern Oklahoma: Apr–Jun.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: Polygonaceae (buckwheat family)
Group: crop · perennial
Origin: Siberia & China · cultivated
USDA zones: Zones 3a–8a
Mature size: 2'–3'
Sun: Sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Edible parts: stem
Harvest (NE OK): Apr–Jun
Garden role: perennial pie plant · give it afternoon shade in Oklahoma · stalks only, leaves are toxic

Rhubarb (Rheum × hybridum) — *Rheum × hybridum* — Rhubarb. Photo by Dieter Weber (User:Uellue) via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Why it's on this list: perennial pie plant · give it afternoon shade in Oklahoma · stalks only, leaves are toxic. A cultivated food crop — not a native — grown alongside regional natives in Rooted Revival's kitchen-garden and food-forest designs. Harvest windows are for northeastern Oklahoma (USDA zone 7a).

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In a kitchen garden or food-forest guild, rhubarb pairs well with: Garlic (Allium sativum), Garden Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa), Wild chives (Allium schoenoprasum), Cabbage (Brassica oleracea (Capitata Group)).