The plant can be easily identified by its pink to purple flowers enclosed in a bur with several prickly bracts. 

Wild Rhubarb (Arctium minus) Scientific Classification

• Domain: Eukaryota
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Tracheophyta
• Subphylum: Angiospermae
• Class: Magnoliopsida 
• Order: Asterales 
• Family: Asteraceae 
• Genus: Arctium
• Species: Arctium minus
• Common Names: Common burdock, lesser burdock, button-bur, louse-bur, cuckoo-button, and wild burdock. 

Nativity & Distribution

Arctium minus is native to Europe. However, it is widely distributed in several regions worldwide, including: 

• North America
• Asia
• South America
• Australia
• New Zealand

Physical Characteristics

• Leaves: Large, heart-shaped, alternate leaves.  
• Fruits: Sticky burs with prickly hooks. 
• Stems: Stout, grooved stem that is hollow inside and forms multiple branches. 
• Flowers: Pink to purple flowerheads covered by bracts with prickly spines. 
• Roots: Large, thick, branching taproot. 

Wild rhubarb is an erect-growing, bushy, and branching biennial plant that can reach 1.8m in height. You can easily recognize the plant by its purplish flowerheads with hooked and spiny bracts. 

In its first year of growth, it produces dark-green rosette leaves, which are large (up to 60cm long and 30cm wide), heart-shaped, and with a hairy undersurface. The rosette leaves have a hollow stalk (petiole), rounded at the tip, and with wavy, toothless, or finely toothed margins. 

In its second year of growth, the plant develops single, stout (but brittle) branching stems that are green to reddish purple and can be slightly hairy or hairless. 

New leaves form alternately along the stem, becoming smaller and short-stalked as they ascend. Therefore, upper leaves are usually stalkless and much smaller than the basal ones. 

Arctium minus produces short-stalked, thistle-like flower heads at the tip of branches or leaf axils. Each flower head is about 1.5-5cm and has about 20-40 pink to purple (sometimes white) tubular flowers. 

The flowers are in an egg-shaped bur with several green, spiny bracts. 

Wild rhubarb produces flowers during its second year of growth, which bloom from around July to October. 

Reproduction, Dispersal, & Life Cycle

• Life Cycle: Biennial  
• Seeds: Can produce up to 15,000 seeds. 
• Climate: Grows well in temperate climates that are warm and humid. 
• Dispersal: Burs that stick to animals, birds, and clothes. 

Flower heads mature into seed heads, with the spiny bracts becoming stiff. This enables them to attach to animal fur, birds, clothing, and anything else that passes, allowing for the wide dispersal of the entire seed head. 

The seedhead contains tiny dark-brown to blackish seeds about 5-8mm long. At the top of the seeds is a cluster of small bristles (pappus hairs) about 1.5-3mm long, which fall off as the seed becomes dry. 

Wild rhubarb reproduces sexually through seeds. A single plant can produce around 15,000 plants with a 90% germination rate.

Seeds germinate easily when they land on bare soil. In addition, seeds buried deep in the soil can remain viable for up to three years, during which time they can sprout new plants when the soil is disturbed. 

Uses

1. The leaf stalks, flower stalks, and roots of young plants are edible. 
2. It is used in Chinese and Western traditional medicine to treat various ailments. 
3. Fiber from the inner bark of the plant is used for making paper. 
4. Livestock may graze on the plant. 

Impact on Farms and Environment

Wild rhubarb is an invasive weed that produces several seeds that can easily germinate into new plants. It also spreads very fast, with the burs sticking onto animals for several weeks, causing it to be dispersed as far as 10km from the mother plant. 

It is an aggressive grass that spreads quickly through prolific seeding and rhizomatous roots. It also produces a phenolic compound that can inhibit the growth and survival of other plants. 

In the newly invaded areas, the plant’s large leaves can reduce sunlight for shorter native vegetation, allowing it to outcompete them. The plant is also susceptible to root rot and powdery mildew, which can significantly affect surrounding agricultural plants. 

The burs that stick on animals can damage their fur or, in the case of sheep, lower the quality and value of the wool. In addition, the burs can trap small birds and bats, killing them if they cannot untangle themselves. 

While not toxic, the weed is considered harmful because it produces lactones that can cause skin irritation on contact in some people. The small bristles on the seeds are also easily windborne and can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. 

Lastly, while animals can graze on the plant, excessive ingestion can taint the milk. 

Control

• Natural methods:  Hand-pulling, digging, cutting to the base, mowing, and cultivation. 
• Chemical control:  Chemical herbicides like 2,4-D, Metsulfuron, dicamba, glyphosate, and clopyralid. 

The best way to control Arctium minus is through prevention. The plant mostly invades bare areas, so you can prevent infestation by planting ground cover crops or competitive, beneficial plants. 

You can remove the weeds for already invaded areas by hand-pulling small infestations. However, this is only effective for young plants; you might need to dig deep to remove the entire tap root when dealing with mature plants. 

You can also control wild rhubarb by mowing or cutting the plant to the stem. However, to avoid spreading the seeds, you should only do this before the flowers bloom.

In most cases, the weed will regrow after mowing or cutting, but repeated treatment can ultimately overwhelm it. You could also apply vinegar or other natural homemade weed killers to the cut stem, causing the tap root system to wither and die. 

Cultivation can also work as a weed control method for wild rhubarb, but only if done before the plant flowers. However, this can also disturb any dormant seeds in the soil, leading to a flush of new germination. 

Chemical herbicides are the most effective solution for controlling Arctium minus. You can use selective herbicides like 2,4-D, Metsulfuron, dicamba, and clopyralid in areas with other vegetation or broad-spectrum herbicides like glyphosate in bare areas. 

Foliar spray is the best method of chemical application because of the plant’s large flowers. In some cases, repeated herbicide treatment may be necessary to completely eradicate the weed. 

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

insightweeds.com/

The post Wild Rhubarb (Arctium minus) appeared first on InsightWeeds.

They have been used for years as herbal medicine and in various dishes, although they are sometimes considered weeds in the Western world. 

They may appear the same because they have similar-looking big leaves, but they are very different. Looking closer at their appearance, they also tend to be different.

Therefore, what is the difference between rhubarb and burdock?

1. Appearance

The burdock plant can grow up to 5 feet tall at maturity, while rhubarb is harvested when its stalks are 12 to 18 inches long. 

To identify a rhubarb, you would have to look closely at its leaves; the leaves of a rhubarb are larger, curly, and smooth compared to those of a Burdock with hairy undersides. 

The leaf stems of a rhubarb are red, while the burdock’s is maroon. The leaf stems of a burdock are hollow compared to that of a rhubarb; in addition, the stems of a burdock are rough, while those of a rhubarb are smooth in texture.

2. Uses

Their roots have been used for years for herbal medicine, especially as a diaphoretic and diuretic.

Burdock plant has mainly been used for skin ailments, while rhubarb has been widely used for digestion and the reduction of inflammation. 

According to Science Direct, rhubarb has been used as a laxative over the years because it empties the intestines and cleanses the bowels thoroughly.

3. Edibility

Both burdock and wild rhubarb are edible and can be used as ingredients in various dishes.

However, burdock is considered safer to eat because the rhubarb leaves are toxic as they contain high levels of oxalic acid, which is considered poisonous. 

The difference between rhubarb and burdock in taste is that burdock has a bit of a bitter vegetable taste or, like carrots, depending on the time of its life cycle that it is harvested. The rhubarb has a rich tart flavor to it. 

Rhubarb is very nutritious, and though it is technically a vegetable, it is often treated as a fruit.

Rhubarb can be used to make various desserts, jams, ice cream sauces, pies, and stews, while burdock can be used to make pie, tea, salads, and pickles and can be cooked, baked, steamed, or boiled. 

4. Planting

It would be best to plant rhubarb in areas below four degrees Celsius in the winter and below twenty-four degrees Celsius in the summer. 

You should also grow it in well-drained soil mixed with plenty of compost, under the sun, with some partial shade. Because it grows big and wide, ensure it has enough space in an open place. 

On the other hand, burdock is a winter crop that may prefer cold or warm temperate regions; you should plant it in spring. It should be grown in moist but well-drained soils to avoid getting the soil wet and regularly watered. 

5. Growth

In terms of growth, what is the difference between rhubarb and burdock?

Rhubarb can grow for almost ten years or more with nearly no pests disturbing it. It is easy to grow but may need a dormancy period to thrive.

Once established, it requires little to no maintenance. Maybe the occasional removal of flower stems and leaves that have faded. You should also divide the clumps when they become overcrowded.

Water rhubarb regularly until it is well rooted. However, note that this plant can propagate rapidly and become hard to remove.

Burdock is biennial, meaning it has a two-year life cycle. It can be grown from seeds in spring and autumn, which are cool and warm climates.

Snails and slugs attack burdock leaves and stems, and nematodes attack their roots, which can cause wilting.

6. Harvesting

Note that burdock has different nutritional values during various stages of its life cycle. It is most nutritious in its first year. 

In the second year and last stage, its energy is focused on reproducing flowers and seeds; therefore, its root has no nutrients left. In fact, it is hard, fibrous, and inedible. 

The burdock roots are harvested when they are large enough to eat. Use a garden fork to lift them from the soil, as pulling by the leaves is likely to break the roots. If burdock takes over your garden, use these techniques to eliminate it.

On the other hand, rhubarb regrows after harvesting, and its stalks are twisted and pulled rather than cut with a knife, which can cause the cut piece to wither.

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

insightweeds.com/

The post What Is The Difference Between Rhubarb and Burdock? appeared first on InsightWeeds.

Some of them have ‘rhubarb’ in their English names, making the distinction even harder. Due to the similarities, it is easy to confuse the weeds with rhubarb in your garden.

While some rhubarb-related plants are harmless, most are poisonous. However, you can easily identify them if you take a look at specific features as mentioned here.

The five weeds that look like rhubarb include:

1. Burdock weed (Arctium asteraceae)

Burdock weed is commonly known as the “wild rhubarb.” The choice of name is because it has large leaves, making it identical to the edible plant.

It also has a red stem-like rhubarb. The two factors make the weed one of the most identical plants to the delicious vegetable.

However, burdock weed is not edible. If you mistakenly cook it or put it in culinary, you may experience a mild to severe reaction.

Although you may notice the stem is hollow when preparing it for food, it is easy to overlook such factors.

So, what is the difference between rhubarb and burdock? Unlike rhubarb, the weed does not produce red and white flowers. Instead of the flowers, burdock weed has prickly burrs on the top.

So, if you see a rhubarb-looking plant without flowers, it is probably a weed. Besides the flowers, burdock weeds do not have smooth leaves like rhubarb.

In most cases, the leaves have coats of fuzz, which make them irritating when touched. If you are prone to allergic reactions, don’t try to distinguish the two plants by touching the leaves. Instead, check if the plant has flowers or not.

If you notice the plant in question is burdock and not rhubarb, uproot it to avoid its widespread. If left unattended, the weed may spread, making your garden unsafe for food production. Here’s a detailed guide for eradicating the burdock weed.

2. Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris)

Swiss chard is a large leaf plant that looks like rhubarb. Like the rhubarb, this plant is edible.

However, you should note that it may affect the taste of the food. Unlike rhubarb, which has a sour taste, the vegetable is less bitter, especially when cooked.

While it has almost similar leaf features, it is easy to spot Swiss chard in your garden. In humid areas, the plant has a fuzzy appearance, which is different from rhubarb plants.

Also, the stem is white (and yellow in some varieties) compared to the usual green and red. However, the two plants grow to an almost similar height.

Since Swiss chard is not harmful when eaten, you can leave it to grow with other plants. However, like other weeds, it will be competing for nutrients with your rhubarb plants.

Why did Swiss chard grow in your garden as a weed? Although it is uncommon, the vegetable may grow like a weed if the neighboring gardens have previously planted (or currently have) it.

3. Brazilian rhubarb (Gunnera manicata)

Brazilian rhubarb is a flowering plant that looks like rhubarb. Thanks to its huge leaves, the plant is often referred to as giant rhubarb.

However, unlike the edible plants in your garden, the weed is extremely toxic.

Besides the enormous leaves and fast growth, the Brazilian rhubarb is easy to spot. For example, the weed has rusty red leaves, which are different from rhubarb. Also, the stalk is tall and green.

The reason why you are more likely to see Gunnera manicata in your garden is its impressively adaptive nature. The weed grows in all types of soils and textures.

Also, due to its alternative uses, people have started growing it as a commercial plant.

Is Gunnera Manicata invasive? Unlike most weeds, it is not invasive. However, it may compete for nutrients with other plants, affecting their growth.

Also, if mistakenly harvested and eaten, the weed may be poisonous. Luckily, it is easy to spot it in your garden.

4. Pokeweed (Phytolacca decandra)

Pokeweed is a poisonous and smelly plant that may grow in your garden. Although it is mildly invasive, it competes with rhubarb for nutrients and water.

Also, due to its poisonous leaves and stem, it is advisable to uproot pokeweed once you spot it. Besides being poisonous, it is the only ornamental plant that resembles rhubarb.

Its beautiful fruits make it easier to spot them in a garden. When the weed is smaller, you should spot it through leaves. They are narrow and have a faded green compared to rhubarb.

Even though the leaves are not as smooth as rhubarb’s, it is advisable not to touch them when examining the weed. The leaves have a chemical composition, which may affect your body negatively. For safety purposes, check if the plant has narrow leaves.

If you spot Pokeweed, how do you eliminate it? Although herbicides are the most effective way to eradicate the weed, a mixture of water and vinegar works fine, especially if your garden is organic.

You just have to mix 50/50 water and vinegar and spray on Pokeweed to eliminate it.

5. Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)

Skunk cabbage looks like a huge rhubarb, especially due to its spade-shaped leaves. However, unlike rhubarb, the skunk cabbage only grows in marshy areas, mainly in the wild.

Even though the weed grows mainly in unattended land, you may notice it on the edges of your garden. It has a skunky smell, which is different from the sweet and fruity rhubarb smell.

Also, the weed’s stem does not have any color, unlike rhubarb, which has either red or green stems.

Thanks to the distinctive smell, it is easy to identify the weed cabbage when harvesting or tendering your garden. Uproot it because it can be invasive in your garden.

The above five weeds look like rhubarb. However, some are poisonous. If accidentally consumed together with the edible vegetable can lead to serious health complications.

Related Guides

• Types of weeds with large leaves
• The different types of sticker weeds

Carter

IW’s Chief Editor and a lover of green spaces.

The post 5 weeds that look like rhubarb (pictures & scientific names) appeared first on InsightWeeds.