Wild Rhubarb
Rumex hymenosepalus, Buckwheat Family: ( Polygonaceae ), Wild Rhubarb: Also known as Canaigre, Wild Pie-Plant, Ganagra, Tanner's Dock, or Desert Rhubarb.
A perennial herb. There are 15 species in Arizona. The roots are rich in tannin, with the dried root containing about 35 - 60% tannin.
Height: Up To About 18 - 30 Inches Tall.
Flowers: No petals; 6 petaloid or sepaloid sepals, rarely 4; stamens usually 6; 1 pistil; Small flowers in clusters usually greenish to pinkish in color; flower cluster 4” to 16” long. They are replaced by showy pink/red/brown seed pods.
Blooming Time: February - April.
Leaves: Leaves alternate; simple; 3.2” to 10” long, 0.8” to 4.8” wide .
Found: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
Elevation: 1000 - 6000 Feet.
Habitat: The desert environs, where it occupies open, gravelly, sandy, rocky areas, washes, and roadsides.
Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken April 1, 2007. Near Congress Junction.
