How much sun does Indian-rhubarb need?

Indian-rhubarb grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Indian-rhubarb bloom?

Indian-rhubarb blooms in April and May.

Where is Indian-rhubarb native?

Indian-rhubarb (Darmera peltata) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Indian-rhubarb attract?

Indian-rhubarb draws bees and flies.

Indian-rhubarb

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Darmera peltata

Last reviewed: November 2026

Indian-rhubarb (Darmera peltata) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw bees and flies.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Indian-rhubarb, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Indian-rhubarb (Darmera peltata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

36"–72" H × 36"–48" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley

Umbrella plant is a bold perennial forb with large, rounded, umbrella-like leaves that emerge after clusters of pink flowers appear on bare stalks in spring. It grows along streambanks and in consistently moist soil.

Growing Indian-rhubarb

Grow Indian-rhubarb in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 48 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The early spring flowers attract bees and flies, and the large leaves provide shade and cover along stream edges for amphibians and other wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Indian-rhubarb need?: Indian-rhubarb grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Indian-rhubarb bloom?: Indian-rhubarb blooms in April and May.
Where is Indian-rhubarb native?: Indian-rhubarb (Darmera peltata) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Indian-rhubarb attract?: Indian-rhubarb draws bees and flies.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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