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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)

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; coarse-textured leaves that can reach an impressive span of up, image 48
Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — Its mammoth rhubarb-like leaves can span up to 8 feet, creating a dramatic canopy; boasting, image 49
Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — Ideal for waterside plantings; perennial plant hailing from the rainforest climates in South, image 51
Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — with a spread of up to 10 feet; the Chilean Gunnera produces erect, image 52
Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — to accommodate its sprawling growth habit and hefty stature; aquatic / perennial for half or, image 53
Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — perennial plant hailing from the rainforest climates in South America; and their umbrella-like, image 55
Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — commonly referred to as Dinosaur Food or Giant Rhubarb; to accommodate its sprawling growth, image 54
Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — giving it a decidedly primeval ambiance, image 58
Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — coarse-textured leaves that can reach an impressive span of up to 8 feet across; ideal for, image 57
Chilean Gunnera, Dinosaur Food (Gunnera Tinctoria) — Scientifically known as Gunnera tinctoria; it requires ample room to grow, potentially, image 56

Related plants

Giant Gunnera (Gunnera Manicata) — is an impactful perennial

Giant Gunnera

Gunnera Manicata

Full · Zones 7–8