UK Gardeners Urged To Avoid 'Deadly' Rhubarb Mistake

There are plants most gardeners know to watch out for – hemlock, stinging nettles, and foxglove are notoriously toxic. 

But many gardeners who pride themselves on their seasonal rhubarb may accidentally be exposing themselves to added risk, experts like Dene Wood, head gardener at the National Trust’s Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, say.

The delicious vegetable, whose maincrop version flourishes from March ’til June, is a common sight in British gardens.

That’s partly because it’s a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that thrives even in the coldest gardens, the Royal Horticultural Society says. 

However, not all of its parts are as edible as its delicious, tangy stalks – and some are described by the University of Illinois Extension as being “potentially deadly.” 

The leaves are not edible 

Writing for Saga, gardener Dene Wood warned that those harvesting rhubarb for a tasty crumble should “Be sure to discard the leaves, which contain oxalic acid and can cause an upset stomach.”

The University of Illinois Extension warns that the effects can rarely be even more dire than a simple tummy ache, however. 

“One characteristic consistent with all rhubarb is the toxicity of the leaves and roots,” their site reads.

“The rhubarb leaves contain high amounts of oxalic acid, a toxic and potentially deadly poison.” 

Oxalic acid is a nephrotoxin and can damage your stomach, airways and kidneys if consumed in large amounts. 

Mount Sinai warns that while deaths from eating rhubarb leaves are rare, they are certainly possible. 

What if I do eat some rhubarb leaves?

Don’t attempt to throw rhubarb leaves up if you have eaten them unless a medical professional tells you to, Mount Sinai warns.

Call 999 or go to A&E if you notice any of the following: 

Sores or blisters inside the mouth

Burning sensation in the mouth and throat

Coma (loss of consciousness, unresponsiveness)

Diarrhea 

Hoarse voice

Increased saliva production

Feeling sick and throwing up

Kidney stones (pain in the side and back)

Seizures (uncontrolled convulsions)

Abdominal pain

General weakness.