Brassica oleracea ornamental kale forms a purple rosette with finely divided leaves, darker outer foliage, and pine needles beneath

Brassica oleracea

Native to the Atlantic coasts of Great Britain, France, and Spain, this herbaceous species grows as a biennial or short-lived perennial. Selective breeding has produced cabbage, kale, collards, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi. These vegetables provide dietary fiber and vitamins. Ornamental forms develop rosettes of white, pink, or purple leaves whose colors intensify in cool weather. They are edible but often more bitter than culinary varieties. Tall flowering stems carry four-petaled, pale yellow blooms, followed by slender seed pods. The species is naturalized in New Zealand. Photographed in the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia and Virginia.

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Brassica oleracea bears clusters of pale yellow four-petaled flowers and purple buds above broad purple-blue leaves

Brassica oleracea ornamental kale has creamy white centers and tightly curled green leaf margins above dark soil

Brassica oleracea has deeply divided purple leaves in a rosette beside red and magenta chrysanthemums

Brassica oleracea forms a tall mass of pale yellow flowers and slender green seed pods above purple foliage

Brassica oleracea carries pale yellow flower clusters, unopened buds, and slender seed pods on upright branching stems

Brassica oleracea has tall branching stems with sparse yellow flowers, green buds, and many slender seed pods