Wild rhubarb is the common butterbur (Petasites hybridus) from the daisy family. You are strongly advised against consuming any part of this plant in any form.

In a nutshell

  • Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is found in seeping, occasionally flooded and nutrient-rich soil
  • was used unsuccessfully against the plague in the Middle Ages, hence the name butterbur
  • still an important medicinal plant today
  • Ingredients toxic and carcinogenic, not suitable for consumption
  • Risk of confusion with vegetable rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) and coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)

Poisonous plant or edible?

The common or red butterbur is classified as a poisonous plant because of its ingredients. The toxic effect is based on the contained sesquiterpenes and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The concentration in the roots of the plants can vary depending on the location. When used, for example, in the form of tea preparations made from butterbur, the pyrrolizidine alkaloids contained can be liver-toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic.
Consequently, it is strongly discouraged. Also for other uses, e.g. B. for medicinal plant applications, wild rhubarb is not suitable, but only as a finished medicinal product. Acute poisoning from this plant has not been documented to date. However, after repeated ingestion, symptoms of intoxication can occur. Pregnant women and small children are particularly at risk.

Tip: Only a few cases without symptoms are known of poisoning in animals by this plant.

As a precaution, intensive contact with butterbur should be prevented, both in children and pets.

Recognize wild rhubarb (Petasites hybridus).

  • Large stocks on embankments of streams and rivers and ponds
  • Flowers in early spring, around March
  • Flowers appear before the leaves
  • Deep green leaves with long stalks
  • Large, basal, kidney-shaped and coarsely toothed on the margin
  • Length of over 100 cm and width of 60 cm possible
  • The upper side of the leaf is dull, partly with slightly woolly hairs
  • Underside grey, fluffy hairy, later glabrous
  • Stems glabrous, rather rounded, covered with small scales
  • Thinner than vegetable rhubarb
  • Very unpleasant odor when cut
  • Toxic substances in all parts of the plant

risk of confusion

Many wild and cultivated plants are very similar to poisonous plants. If they are mixed up, it can quickly become life-threatening for people if the plants in question are poisonous plants, which is not what was expected. There is a risk of confusion with the wild rhubarb varieties, especially with the common or vegetable rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) and the coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara). Differences but also similarities can be found above all in the leaves and stems.

Characteristics of Common Rhubarb:

  • Vegetable rhubarb is much more vigorous than butterbur
  • Flowers a little later, between April and May
  • Leaves rather rounded, heart-shaped or almost triangular
  • Upper surface of leaves smooth and shiny, wavy
  • Leaf margin smooth, lobed or toothed
  • Stems much smoother and thicker, up to 5 cm thick
  • Smell pleasantly fresh after cutting

The white inflorescences reach heights of growth of up to 150 cm. While the blossoms of the butterbur appear first and the leaves later, it is exactly the opposite with the vegetable rhubarb, where the leaves come first.

Tip: The common or ordinary rhubarb should be eaten by June 24th. have harvested, then the content of oxalic acid increases significantly. Consequently, it is then no longer suitable for consumption.

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)

Confusion with coltsfoot occurs mainly with young plants. At this stage, the leaves in particular can hardly be distinguished from those of the butterbur. Fully grown coltsfoot leaves are significantly smaller, as is the whole plant. While the butterbur can reach a diameter of 60 cm, the coltsfoot remains quite small at 10-20 cm. Unlike wild rhubarb, coltsfoot is edible with minor restrictions.

frequently asked Questions

Is wild rhubarb edible when cooked?

Wild rhubarb is neither raw nor edible. Tea preparations and other medicinal plant applications are also generally not recommended.

When can you discover them in nature?

You can discover them in early spring, from March to April, on rivers and streams. At first you can see the pretty inflorescences. The huge leaves appear later, and then nothing can be seen of the flower.

Is wild rhubarb poisonous to animals?

Whether butterbur is poisonous to animals is not well documented. To be on the safe side, keep pets away from these plants as much as possible.

Category:

Garden plants