156 THE BOOK OF USEFUL PLANTS 



stretch up for light. These conditions produce 

 long, blanched, tender stalks. 



After the rosette of leaves is fully developed the 

 rhubarb plant sends up a jointed stalk crowned 

 with a series of axillary flower clusters, that pro- 

 claim the plant's relationship with buckwheat, 

 sorrels, docks, and smartweed. 



The way to make new plants is to divide the 

 crown and roots. About four years is as long as 

 one plant should be allowed to grow. After this 

 the crowding of the roots makes inferior leaves. 



