Chilean rhubarb (nalca, pangue) Gunnera tinctoria
Chilean rhubarb (nalca, pangue) (Gunnera tinctoria) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Gunneraceae family, native to Chile and Argentina (temperate rainforest and stream banks). It grows 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft) tall and 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart.
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Chilean rhubarb (nalca, pangue) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Gunneraceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: young leaf stalks |
| Native to | Chile and Argentina (temperate rainforest and stream banks) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
| Invasive in | Ireland, Great Britain, New Zealand, Azores: check local rules before planting |
Is Chilean rhubarb (nalca, pangue) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Leaf stalks are peeled and eaten raw in Chile; stalks and leaves are prickly.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Chilean rhubarb (nalca, pangue)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Chilean rhubarb (nalca, pangue)
- How far apart should I plant Chilean rhubarb (nalca, pangue)?
- About 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft).
- Does Chilean rhubarb (nalca, pangue) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chilean rhubarb (nalca, pangue) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Chilean rhubarb (nalca, pangue)?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Chilean rhubarb (nalca, pangue) flower?
- From about May for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Chilean rhubarb (nalca, pangue) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Leaf stalks are peeled and eaten raw in Chile; stalks and leaves are prickly.
- What grows well with Chilean rhubarb (nalca, pangue)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Chilean rhubarb (nalca, pangue). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Flora of New Zealand and Ngā Tipu Whakaoranga (Māori plant use), Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
Notes and assumptions
- Giant rhubarb-like leaves up to 2 m across on prickly stalks and cone-shaped flower spikes. Invasive on wet western coasts of Ireland and Britain (its sale is banned in the UK); in gardens the smaller-risk choice is often G. manicata.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Foxglove Digitalis purpurea
- Daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus