Friday Fun: Photo of the Week

This plant–which is nearly as tall as I am, though that’s not saying much—is growing in front of my neighbor’s house. It is rather common, though not often used in landscaping. If you don’t recognize it, here are a few hints:

It is a perennial that grows from a rhizome.

It has large toxic green leaves and edible red stalks known as petioles.

It is a vegetable, but in 1947 it was legally classified as a fruit in the U.S. for regulatory purposes.

It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

Varieties of it grow in many different climates around the world.

It was first brought to the U.S. in the 1820s.

Its name can also mean a dispute or fight.

It has inspired a fad diet.

It's known as the Pie Plant and can be used to make wine. But I like it best in a crisp. Yep, it’s rhubarb. And I’m the only one in my immediate family who will eat it. 

Have a great weekend! Let me know if you bake a rhubarb pie :-)  Mmmm...pie.