Habitat and Range
Indian Rhubarb mainly grows in or near creeks and on riverbanks. It can be found in all parts of the Sierra below 6000 ft. It blooms from April to June.
Physical Description
As the scientific name implies, the leaf grows all the way around its hairy petiole. "Peltate" is a botanical term meaning that the petiole intersects the center of the leaf blade, instead of at the base. These basal peltate leaves grow from a rhizome that is less than 1.5 inches thick. The leaves can be 9-15-lobed and are commonly 1-2 ft wide with irregular dentation (teeth). The inflorescence of pink or white flowers appears before the leaves grow. The peduncle (stem of the inflorescence) can reach 3 ft tall and is pinkish in color. Each flower has 2 pistils and 10 stamens surrounded by 5 broad petals (5-7 mm wide).
Food Uses
The young leaf shoots can be peeled and eaten raw. Cooking them is not recommended because it removes the flavor and not the toughness. The older leafstalks are too tough and stringy to be edible.
Medicinal Uses
None known at this time.
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