Rhubarb used to be ubiquitous in backyards across America, providing one part of the strawberry-rhubarb combo used in jams and pie. It is an easy-to-grow perennial that also functions as an ornamental with very large green leaves on long stalks. It is beneficial for more than just making it so one can make great pie. I have listed below a few other roles for rhubarb.
- Edible - stick with the stalks, the rest should be considered poisonous
Rhubarb with flower stalks - Fodder - unlike humans, chickens can eat the leaves with impunity, and love to do so
- Mulch maker - the huge, soft leaves are great for outdoor carpets
- Perennial - one of the first plants up in the spring in my yard
- Insectary - sometimes you end up with a female plant that puts up flower stalks. These stalks are pretty tall and are covered with flowers that insects love.
- Partial shade to full sun - more likely to be tolerant of some shade when it has the springtime to wake up and grow before being overshadowed by a tree or other deciduous perennial.
- Propagate by clump division
- Medicinal - especially the root
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