Rhubarb is a very old plant. Its medicinal uses and horticulture have been recorded in history since ancient China. Historically, the stems were pulverized and used as a cathartic. Early records of rhubarb in America identify an unnamed Maine gardener as having obtained seed or root stock from Europe in the period between 1790-1800. He introduced it to growers in Massachusetts where its popularity spread and by 1822 it was sold in produce markets.