Indian Rhubarb Root, botanically known as Darmera peltata, is a distinctive perennial plant often recognized by common names like Umbrella Plant and Giant Rhubarb. This article explores its characteristics, historical uses, cultivation, and safe handling.
Understanding Indian Rhubarb
Darmera peltata is a unique herbaceous perennial native to the mountain stream banks and woodlands of the Western United States, specifically from southwestern Oregon to northern California. This plant is characterized by its large, rounded, deeply lobed leaves that can reach up to 18 to 24 inches across, giving it the common name “Umbrella Plant.” The leaves are peltate, meaning their stems attach near the center of the leaf, allowing them to collect small pools of rainwater.
Before its impressive foliage fully emerges in spring, clusters of small, pale pink to white flowers appear on tall, thick, hairy stems. These five-petalled flowers, measuring up to 1.5 cm each, form rounded cymes, creating an attractive display early in the growing season. The plant develops a thick, rhizomatous root system that spreads slowly, forming large clumps and helping to stabilize banks in its natural habitat.
While often called “Indian Rhubarb,” it is botanically distinct from edible rhubarb, Rheum rhabarbarum, which is cultivated for its culinary stalks.
Traditional Uses and Modern Perspectives
Historically, some indigenous peoples in North America, particularly the Klamath tribe, used parts of what they called “Indian Rhubarb” for various purposes, including traditional ceremonies. Documented instances include consuming boiled or roasted roots and young leaves. Traditional medicine also attributed healing properties, with some sources mentioning its use for ailments like constipation, diarrhea, and inflammation, and an infusion of roots used to prevent a fetus from getting too large.
Despite these historical accounts, modern scientific evidence does not support medicinal uses for Darmera peltata. It is not considered a food source for general consumption. Self-medication is discouraged due to lack of scientific backing and potential risks.
Cultivating Indian Rhubarb
Darmera peltata is primarily grown as an ornamental garden plant, valued for its striking foliage and early spring blooms. It thrives in conditions that mimic its native habitat along mountain streams.
The plant prefers partial to full shade, though it can tolerate some sun if the soil remains consistently moist. In hotter climates, full sun can lead to leaf scorch, indicating its preference for cooler summer temperatures.
Ideal soil for Indian Rhubarb is rich in organic matter, consistently moist, and well-draining. It is well-suited for bog gardens, rain gardens, or planting along ponds and streams, where it can access abundant water. Planting rhizomes is best done in early spring or autumn. General maintenance involves ensuring consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, and removing spent flower stalks. This plant is generally resistant to serious insect or disease problems.
Safety and Handling
Darmera peltata is cultivated primarily as an ornamental plant. All parts, especially the root, should not be ingested. While historical uses mention consumption, modern understanding emphasizes its ornamental nature and potential toxicity.
Contact with the plant, particularly its sap, may cause minor skin irritation. Wearing gloves when handling is advisable. To prevent accidental ingestion or contact, especially by young children or pets, keep Darmera peltata out of reach. While some sources state it is not known to be toxic, others list it as potentially causing irritation if ingested or handled, so caution is warranted.