Highly ornamental and delicious. Also known as Ragged Jack and Buda Kale. Brought to Canada by Russian traders. The flat, smooth gray green leaves are lobed and somewhat oak leaf shaped. The veins and stems are reddish purple.
Cold weather turns the leaves reddish purple too.
Tender and tasty, either fresh in salads, steamed or boiled. Full sun, rich soil. Lettuce, Black Seeded Simpson pre-1850 . S till one of the most popular loose leaf varieties. Crinkly, light green leaves are crisp and juicy, never bitter.