During mid to late winter and early spring, look for the large green leaves (up to 12 inches) and reddish stalks of wild rhubarb (Rumex hymenosepalus) growing in sandy soils. During spring you’ll clusters of small pink & yellow flowers that turn into red seeds. The leaves and stems when properly prepared are edible. Wild rhubarb contains a high concentration of tannins (chemicals within the plant) used for tanning leather. Look for this plant along sandy trails in Calico Basin, Pine Creek, First Creek, and Willow Springs Picnic Area.

***Note: Collecting and harvesting any plant material for individual use, sale, or consumption is prohibited within Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area***

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