Problem - Is It Rhubarb?

[julia-mag]

Three years ago we bought 3 rhubarb crowns, two emerged properly and we left all growth on them so they would settle properly. This year the third crown has grown but I am sure it's not Rhubarb. It is about 2.1/2ft tall , thinnish stems which are green and slightly prickly and the leaves are enormous and rough. Any suggestions what it might be I have googled but so far cannot pin it down.

[Old_Geezer]

Links to photos are always welcomed. Thin stalk, large leaves ? Sounds like rhubarb to me. :-)

[julia-mag]

My actual Rhubarb has been magnificent this year but this plant has now overpowered it with its huge leaves, I tried to pull a stalk off but it would not move, (unlike my Rhubarb) I am wondering whether the original 3rd crown died and this is a 'fluke' weed of some sort growing in its place. Longshot I know ! I may have to take a leaf to a local nursery to see if they can identify it for me.

[mazie]

Could it be this julia

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/details?plantid=890

[penelope2]

Sounds like Giant Rhubarb to me.

[emeritus]

Any help here ?

http://www.rhubarbinfo.com/not-rhubarb

[julia-mag]

Oh Maizie, that does really look like it, but how on earth would I get it, surely not sold to me as ordinary Rhubarb? Just trying to think , we actually bought the crowns at a local farmers market when we were visiting another town! I do appreciate everyone's help, I can say it is not Burdock as its stems have no joints just the leaf on the top like ordinary Rhubarb. I have always admired the large leafed 'rhubarb' that is grown in parks, but this would cover my shed and half my garden if I allow it to stay! There is always something different happening in a garden isn't there :)-

[penelope2]

It seems that it is Giant Rhubarb and yes it can be difficult to control. I have mine by the side of my pond and give it a very severe pruning annually (in the winter). I personally think it's worth the effort as it is a beautiful plant when in full foliage.

[Chipchopper]

I'm thinking that it might be 'Ornamental rhubarb that you have there (Rheum palmatum or R. tanguticum)
These varieties do have a spiky looking edge to the leaves.
Try googling 'ornamental rhubarb, to see if you can get a match to identify with.