Rheum officinale is an attractive ornamental rhubarb from China and Tibet with large scalloped foliage and a stout hollow stem with fine white hairs at the nodes. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine as a digestive tonic and purgative it will be of more interest to the exotic gardener for its large leaves which bear a resemblance to ordinary garden rhubarb but are somewhat larger. It has tall panicles of white flowers in spring which are followed by large winged seeds.

Like most Rheums it forms a large clump over time with a stout root and rhizomes and once established is a spectacular addition to the garden.