Plant safety record
Rhubarb
Rheum rhabarbarum
Prevent cats and dogs from accessing correctly identified Rheum rhabarbarum. Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service after suspected exposure.
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Cats
TOXIC
ASPCA classifies Rhubarb as toxic to cats under the source spelling Rheum rhabarbarium.
Dogs
TOXIC
ASPCA classifies Rhubarb as toxic to dogs under the source spelling Rheum rhabarbarium.
Quick answer
ASPCA classifies Rhubarb as toxic to cats and dogs, while NC State Extension and Kew establish the accepted identity as Rheum rhabarbarum.
Plant identity and scope
This record is limited to Rheum rhabarbarum. ASPCA prints Rheum rhabarbarium; NC State Extension and Kew independently use the accepted spelling Rheum rhabarbarum for Rhubarb.
Identity reconciliation: Rheum rhabarbarium → Rheum rhabarbarum (NC State Extension and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew).
Governed aliases: Pie Plant.
What the evidence supports
The toxic result is limited to Rhubarb reconciled to Rheum rhabarbarum. It is not a conclusion for unrelated plants called rhubarb or for every member of Polygonaceae.
Safety classifications come from PawPlants' governed evidence record, not from a retailer or product label.
If exposure may have occurred
Prevent further access, retain the plant label and the part involved, and contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service for case-specific advice. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional directs it.
Open PawPlants emergency guidance for immediate next steps and contact options.
Evidence and sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — RhubarbCat: Toxic; Dog: Toxic; subject: Rheum rhabarbarium.
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — Rhubarb — Rheum rhabarbarumEvidence subject: Rhubarb — Rheum rhabarbarum.
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — Plants of the World Online — Rheum rhabarbarumEvidence subject: Rheum rhabarbarum.