Unknown Plant Looks Like A Type Of Rheum

Ask the Expert: Unknown plant
I live in Maine and I am on a wooded lot, not much sun and lot of pine trees. I have pretty much given up trying to grow anything. This plant appeared this year. This is one of the only plants that are in my garden. It has square stocks and maple like leaves. Can you identify it?  Scott

Plant Expert Reply:

It looks like something from the Rheum genus – rhubarb.  However, at this point I can’t be sure. It could also be a type of Gunnera.  I’m not sure what part of Maine you live in but you the Maine Extension Service might be able to identify it  The extention service in Arkansas is very helpful with local plant identification. I’m sure the Maine Extension Service would be as well.  I will forward the picture to the extention to see what they think.  Maybe we will know something soon.