There's a plant I've seen used as part of landscaping for office buildings, etc., don't know what it's called.

Question

It resembles something from the cabbage family, only the leaves are purple at the edges. I wish I had a photo to show you. Sound familiar? Anybody know what it is, and can you provide me with links to picxtures, so I can verify this? Also, (and this is the whole point) is it safe for homeless people, whom I have seen eating it?

Appreciate the help!

Answer 1

It's just cabbage, or perhaps kale. Some cabbages and kales are very ornamental, and they're perfectly fine for eating...perhaps tough, but non-poisonous. I've grown some myself, and while I wouldn't consider it very good eating, my dog did...and then he got, well, a little gassy, lol!

Here's a link that shows one of the more plain ornamental types, but it's just like the purple ones you've seen.

http://www.natorp.com/PL-OrnamentalCabbage.htm

Answer 2

From what you're describing it sounds like an ornamental cabbage. As far as if it's safe to eat I don't know, but I don't think I would try it.

Answer 3

It is probably Ornamental cabbage.

http://www.ppdl.purdue.edu/PPDL/images/cabbage.jpg

if it is ornamental cabbage...and looks something like that image (they do have different varieties in different colors) then it is safe to eat. they aren't as good as the real thing (if you can actually say that cabbage is good), but safe none the less.

Answer 4

It's probably orinamental cabbage or kayle. One is mostly green and one is mostly purple.Both look like cabbage.

Answer 5

and you usually see them in the fall? Probably flowering/ornamental Kale (Brassica oleracea).. which is in the cabbage family.. they are very cold hardy and not heat tolerable