The answer is more complicated than you think.
Are Rhubarb Leaves Really Toxic?
Updated on May 10, 2022
Like most people in the Midwest, I really look forward to spring. After all, there’s a lot to love: warm temperatures, blooming plants and—my personal favorite—spring produce.
One of the most iconic spring fruits (well, rhubarb is a vegetable, but we use it like a fruit) is rhubarb. The pretty pink stalks are a delicious addition to pies, muffins, jams and other rhubarb recipes.
However, rhubarb has a little bit of a shady side. I was always warned to stay away from rhubarb leaves because they’re poisonous. But is the rumor true? Here’s what we found.
Did you know you should never eat these foods raw?
Is Rhubarb Poisonous?
The stalks of a rhubarb plant are safe to eat. You can even eat them raw—but be warned, they’re very tart!
However, the large, smooth, heart-shaped leaves are toxic. “Rhubarb leaves are considered poisonous to humans and animals due to high concentrations of oxalic acid,” says Dr. Barbara Ingham, a professor of food science at the University of Wisconsin. This oxalic acid can cause difficulty breathing, nausea and even kidney stones.
It’s safe to put rhubarb leaves in your home compost, though. Oxalic acid isn’t readily absorbed by the roots of plants, so compost containing decomposed rhubarb leaves can be safely worked into the soil of your garden, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
The Verdict
As scary as this process sounds, don’t panic. You would have to eat several pounds of rhubarb leaves to reach a toxic level—so don’t feel like you need to toss the whole batch if tiny leaf scraps end up in your rhubarb muffins. But do avoid eating the leaves whole—even a few can make you feel sick.
And, if you learn how to grow rhubarb in the garden, keep Fido away from the patch. Most pets are a lot smaller than humans, so it takes very few rhubarb leaves to do damage. Give your pup one of these dog-friendly foods instead.
Sweet and Savory Rhubarb Recipes
Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake BarsThese cheesecake bars layer a buttery pecan shortbread crust with a rich and creamy filling and sweet-tart strawberry rhubarb jam. For larger squares, cut into nine bars instead of 16. —Amanda Scarlati, Sandy, Utah
Rhubarb Strawberry CobblerMom's yummy cobbler is a truly wonderful finale to any meal. This family favorite is sweet and tart, chock-full of berries and rhubarb, and the thick crust is so easy to make. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington
Rhubarb CrumbleOur rhubarb crumble is filled with a unique combination of bright pink rhubarb stalks, fresh strawberries and apples.
Strawberry-Rhubarb MuffinsStrawberry-rhubarb muffins might just be our favorite baked treat to celebrate the sweet-tart flavors of the late spring and summer harvest.
Strawberry Rhubarb Cake with OrangeI came up with this strawberry rhubarb cake when I wanted to make something with rhubarb and strawberries that wasn't a pie. If you know someone who hasn't tried rhubarb before, this is a great way to introduce them to it. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California
Berry Rhubarb FoolA "fool" is a British dessert that's usually made with custard. This is a modified, quicker version I created. My kids love it because it doesn't taste like rhubarb—so I guess it's well named! —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado
Lemon Rhubarb Tube CakeFor a taste of summer, try this dessert. The cake's fresh lemon flavor and tart rhubarb topping are so refreshing. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Strawberry-Rhubarb Upside-Down CakeI prepare this colorful dessert quite often in the late spring or summer when fresh rhubarb is abundant. I make this rhubarb cake with cake mix and take it to church potlucks. People actually line up for a piece. —Bonnie Krogman, Thompson Falls, Montana
Flaky Bumbleberry PieWhen you want to make an impression, make this pie! The recipe produces one of the flakiest crusts ever, and the combination of rhubarb and different berries in the filling is delicious. —Suzanne Alberts, Onalaska, Wisconsin
Strawberry Rhubarb CreamA friend gave me this recipe a long time ago. It’s rich and creamy yet refreshing. I make this often in early summer when rhubarb is readily available. —Norma DesRoches, Warwick, Rhode Island
Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee CakeOur strawberry rhubarb coffee cake is a slice of spring. Serve it at room temperature with a cup of coffee or warm with ice cream and a glass of dessert wine.
Strawberry-Rhubarb PieStrawberry-rhubarb pie is the best way to celebrate the coveted summer season of fresh strawberries and rhubarb.
Strawberry-Rhubarb CrispStrawberries and rhubarb are highly anticipated when spring turns to summer, and this strawberry-rhubarb crisp puts the sought-after ingredients to good use.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Cream DessertA neighbor shared this recipe with me, and I created my own variation using garden-fresh rhubarb and strawberries. The shortbread crust and creamy sweet-tart layers went over big at a family party—not a crumb was left! —Sara Zignego, Hartford, Wisconsin
Rhubarb Berry Coffee CakeI rely on a cake mix to speed the prep for this moist streusel-topped dessert that pairs tart rhubarb with sweet strawberries. It's great all by itself, but feel free to add some frosting or ice cream. —Jackie Heyer, Cushing, Iowa
Slow-Cooker Rhubarb Strawberry SauceWe recently started growing our own rhubarb, and we live in a part of Oregon where strawberries are plentiful. I created this to drizzle over ice cream and filled a crisp with the rest. —Kim Banick, Salem, Oregon
Elevate all kinds of desserts with this strawberry sauce recipe.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Ice PopsThese cool, creamy pops are a deliciously different way to use up the bounty from your rhubarb patch. —Donna Linihan, Moncton, New Brunswick
Slow-Cooked Strawberry Rhubarb SauceThis tart and tangy fruit sauce is excellent over pound cake or ice cream. I have served this topping many times and have gotten rave reviews from friends and family. —Judith Wasman, Harkers Island, North Carolina
Strawberry-Rhubarb Flip CakeMy friend Dave always brought two strawberry rhubarb cakes to work to celebrate his birthday. He’d use up rhubarb growing in the yard and treat his co-workers. —Charlene Schwartz, Maple Plain, Minnesota
Rhubarb CrispMake rhubarb crisp with strawberries in spring and apples in fall to enjoy a simple, year-round dessert.
Rhubarb Fool with StrawberriesA fool is a classic British and Irish dessert that's usually made with whipped cream and cooked fruit. Try my quick version with rhubarb and berries. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado
Rhubarb Icebox DessertA light and fluffy marshmallow layer tops the tart rhubarb filling in this delicious make-ahead recipe. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota
Rhubarb Berry Upside-Down CakeI had leftover rhubarb and wanted to create something fresh. With blueberries, strawberries and dried cranberries on hand, I discovered I had a berry upside-down cake. —June Paul, Portage, Wisconsin
