Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food

Gunnera Tinctoria

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Overview

The Chilean Gunnera, also known as Dinosaur Food (Gunnera tinctoria), is a colossal, prehistoric-looking perennial. Its mammoth rhubarb-like leaves can span up to 8 feet, creating a dramatic canopy. Suited for zones 7-10, it thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and partial shade. Ideal for waterside plantings, it requires ample space, with a spread of up to 10 feet, to accommodate its sprawling growth habit and hefty stature.

Sun Half, ShadeWater HighZones 8–11Climate Temperate

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — also known as Dinosaur Food (Gunnera tinctoria)

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — also known as Dinosaur Food (Gunnera tinctoria)

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — Ideal for waterside plantings

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — with a spread of up to 10 feet

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — to accommodate its sprawling growth habit and hefty stature

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — Its mammoth rhubarb-like leaves can span up to 8 feet, creating a dramatic canopy

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — Suited for zones 7-10, it thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and partial shade

Culture

Sun: Half, Shade
Water: High
USDA zones: 8–11

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Gunneraceae
Climate: Temperate

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Photos (58)

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — prehistoric-looking perennial

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — also known as Dinosaur Food (Gunnera tinctoria)

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — Ideal for waterside plantings

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — with a spread of up to 10 feet

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — to accommodate its sprawling growth habit and hefty stature

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — Its mammoth rhubarb-like leaves can span up to 8 feet, creating a dramatic canopy

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — Suited for zones 7-10, it thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and partial shade

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — Scientifically known as Gunnera tinctoria

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — coarse-textured leaves that can reach an impressive span of up to 8 feet across

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — giving it a decidedly primeval ambiance

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — perennial plant hailing from the rainforest climates in South America

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — commonly referred to as Dinosaur Food or Giant Rhubarb

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — Its leaves emerge from a central

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — and their umbrella-like formation is supported on thick

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — which can grow to 6 feet in length

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — the Chilean Gunnera produces erect

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — preferring partial to full shade and consistently moist

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — humus-rich soil to mimic its native damp environments

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — conical inflorescences that can attain heights of up to 6 feet

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — boasting shades of reddish-green flowers.<br><br>This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7-10

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — account for its need for significant soil moisture and protection from intense midday sun

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — It requires ample room to grow, potentially spreading up to 10 feet wide

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — aquatic / perennial for half or shade

Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — Its mammoth rhubarb-like leaves can span up to 8 feet, creating a dramatic canopy; boasting shades of

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Full · Zones 7–8