Alaska Wild Rhubarb (Polygonum alaskanum)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it is hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. It is quite possibly no more than a synonym for P. alpinum. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually free and easy. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer if they have reached sufficient size. If not, overwinter them in a cold frame and plant them out the following spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Edible uses
Leaves - raw or cooked. Leaf stems - raw or cooked. An acid flavour, they can be cut into sections and used like rhubarb (Rheum spp). The juice from the plant has been sweetened and used as a refreshing drink. Seed - raw or cooked. It is rather small and fiddly to utilize.
Medicinal uses
The whole plant is astringent.
Habitat
Sub-alpine to alpine meadows, talis slopes and ridges.
Native range
Western N. America - Alaska to California.