Rhubarb is an old-fashioned vegetable, grown for its brilliant red stems which are often used in pies and desserts. While its stems are noted for their culinary qualities, its leaves are poisonous and must be removed before cooking.
Latin Name
Rheum x hybridum
Family
Polygonaceae
Type of Plant
Perennials
Vegetables
Bloom Season
May - July
Seasons
Spring
Summer
Specifications
Max Height: 3'
Max Spread: 3'
Uses
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Part Shade
Tolerances
Colors
Native Range
Asia
History
George Washington planted rhubarb seed in the Botanical Garden in April of 1788.
Other Details
Grown by Washington
Hardiness Zones
Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005
Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility. Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.
Bring Washington's Garden Home
Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.
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