monk's rhubarb

Also known as: mountain rhubarb

A leafy, creeping rhizomatous herbaceous perennial dock to around 2m in height with very large, oval green leaves. It is mainly found on farmland, roadsides, areas of wasteland and in damper areas by streams and rivers. Pinkish-green flowers appear on tall, upright stems in July. Leaves are edible with a lemony taste but should not be eaten in large quantity. They also have medicinal properties

Scientific classification

Species: monk's rhubarb (Rumex alpinus)
Genus: Rumex
Family: Polygonaceae

Harmful if eaten in large amounts. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Bogs · Herbaceous Perennial
Plant type: 1.5-2.5 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Clump forming
Habit: Information to be completed
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

monk's rhubarb pictures

Distribution of monk's rhubarb

Distribution map

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Harmful if eaten in large amounts. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of monk's rhubarb

Information to be completed

monk's rhubarb care guide

Consistently moist topsoil, water more frequently during leaf growth
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Consistently moist topsoil, water more frequently during leaf growth

Fertilizing

High nitrogen herb feed every two weeks in warm growing months

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Growing

Grows best in moist but well drained soil. Self-seeds freely and also spreads from the roots so can be difficult to control or eradicate. See the advice page on controlling sheep's sorrel for more details

More growing and care information →