Family: Saxifragaceae
Author: (Torr. ex Benth.) Voss
Bibliography: Gärtn. Zentral-Bl. 1: 645 (1899)
Year: 1899
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Darmera
Vegetable: False
Observations: SW. Oregon to N. & C. California
Description
Indian-rhubarb, known botanically as Darmera peltata, is a striking perennial plant that draws attention through its distinctive foliage and beautiful blooms. Endemic to Southwest Oregon, Northern, and Central California, this plant thrives in the cool, moist environments of these regions.
Belonging to the Saxifragaceae family, Indian-rhubarb is renowned for its unique morphology. It features large, round, peltate leaves—meaning the leaf stalks join the center of the leaf rather than the edge—giving it an almost umbrella-like appearance. These impressive leaves can grow up to 3 feet in diameter, creating a lush, verdant display that is particularly eye-catching.
In early spring, before the leaves fully unfurl, Darmera peltata produces clusters of small, star-shaped pink or white flowers. These delicate blooms are borne on sturdy, tall stalks that can reach up to 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet) in height. The flowering phase marks the resurgence of life after the quiet dormancy of winter, adding vibrant colors to the landscape when few other plants are in bloom.
Indian-rhubarb favors wet, riparian environments, often found along streambanks or in moist, forested areas where it can benefit from consistent soil moisture. It forms dense colonies via its rhizomatous root system, effectively stabilizing soil and preventing erosion—an ecological role that underscores its importance in its native habitats.
Cultivating Indian-rhubarb can be rewarding for gardeners who can replicate its natural conditions. It thrives in shaded or partially shaded areas with rich, well-draining soil that remains consistently moist. While it is relatively low-maintenance, providing sufficient water during dry spells is crucial to maintaining its lush foliage and overall health.
First described scientifically in 1899 by Voss, after being initially noted by Torr. and Benth., Indian-rhubarb continues to captivate botanists and plant enthusiasts alike with its unique characteristics and ecological significance. Its bold leaves and charming flowers make it a favored choice for ornamental gardening, particularly in water gardens or shaded woodland gardens where its requirements can be most closely met.
This fascinating plant not only adds aesthetic value to natural landscapes and cultivated gardens but also plays a pivotal role in supporting the ecosystems where it is native. Its robust presence, coupled with its ornamental appeal, ensures that Indian-rhubarb remains a beloved and noteworthy member of the plant community in its native regions.
Common Names
Eng: indian rhubarb, indian-rhubarb, umbrella-plant
Deu: schildblatt
Dan: skjoldblad, skærmstenbræk
Nld: schildblad
Nno: skjoldsildre
Nob: skjoldsildre
Swe: sköldbräcka
En: Indian-rhubarb, Umbrella-plant, Indian rhubarb
Ar: دارمرة درعية
Zh: 盾叶伞
Da: Skjoldblad, Skærmstenbræk
Nl: Schildblad
Et: Kilpleht
Fi: Kilpirikko, Peltirikko
De: Schildblatt
Nb: Skjoldsildre
Nn: Skjoldsildre
Pl: Tarczownica tarczowata
Ru: Дармера
Sv: Sköldbräcka
Zh-tw: 盾葉傘
Cy: Rhiwbob yr India
Synonyms
- Saxifraga peltata (Torr. ex Benth.)
- Leptarrhena inundata (Behr ex Kellogg)
- Peltiphyllum peltatum ((Torr. ex Benth.) Engl.)
Distribution
- California (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- France (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Ireland (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken May 21, 2020 by Chris Berg (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 21, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 16, 2021 by Egon Krogsgaard (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2015 by EOL − tomhilton (cc-by)
Taken Apr 21, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 21, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 21, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 23, 2021 by Tauan Torres (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 25, 2019 by judith collet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Pauline Vos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 15, 2021 by Sylvain serandour (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 28, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 25, 2020 by Chris Berg (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2022 by Jacques Louvel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 11, 2022 by Johan Niss (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 23, 2006 by EOL − David McClurg (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 29, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Apr 9, 2020 by Chris Berg (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2022 by Pettersen Terje (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2020 by Aleksandar Igic (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 17, 2018 by Darin Ramsey (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2015 by EOL − Joel Metzger (cc-by-nc)
Other
Taken May 13, 2021 by H.D. Tijs (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3032611)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:76774-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Darmera peltata (Torr. ex Benth.) Voss)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb