What's this plant? Is it safe to eat?

Louise
by Louise
I found it this morning growing in a large pot that I planted a salad green mixture in. I planted the seeds too late in the spring for anything to turn out well. I looked online and it looks like Russian kale. Before I try to cook it, I want to make sure it's not going to kill me. The leaves aren't huge -- maybe 3 inches across and 4 top to bottom. The stems are purplish.
  12 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Mar 03, 2016
    It is kale for sure.I believe it is supposed to be a sweeter variety. Cook it and see how it tastes. Should be fine.
    • See 4 previous
    • Janice DeLong Janice DeLong on Mar 04, 2016
      Rhubarb stalks are edible, but the leaves aren't. And rhubarb leaves aren't lobed like these. They are shaped more like burdock leaves.
  • Lorelle Polano Lorelle Polano on Mar 03, 2016
    It's kale.
  • Electa vonhoff Electa vonhoff on Mar 04, 2016
    i thought it was rhubarb at 1st.. im still torn between kale and rhubarb. and rhubarb doesnt need to be planted to grow, i had some just show up one year in the middle of my yard i'd lived at for 5 years and never planted anything but grass there
  • Marilyn Lavery-Corliss Marilyn Lavery-Corliss on Mar 04, 2016
    Another vote for kale. It is the same as I have grown in my garden.
  • Robyn Dunn Robyn Dunn on Mar 04, 2016
    This is not rhubarb its kale. Enjoy.
  • DORLIS DORLIS on Mar 04, 2016
    I go with Kale also. one of the best greens going
  • Jim Jim on Mar 04, 2016
    Yes Kale! Saute and enjoy...actually a little jealous. I want to grow some now!
  • Drae13 Drae13 on Mar 04, 2016
    Russian Red Kale that winters beautifully...just remove the center stem and saute or juice or chop into a salad... no worries you won't be needing the number for poison control.😄
  • Cecilia Corbett Cecilia Corbett on Mar 04, 2016
    Try chewing a small bite of it - if very bitter, spit it out, it's probably toxic. If only slightly bitter, swallow a couple of bites, wait an hour - if no symptoms, it's safe. Good luck and enjoy.
    • See 1 previous
    • Marion Marion on Mar 04, 2016
      @Cecilia Corbett Good advice, Cecilia.
  • Iberkeley Iberkeley on Mar 04, 2016
    It's kale, great in salads (massage in olive oil to make it softer and add parmesan), great in soups and stews and I hear -did not yet do this - baked in the oven on a cookie sheet with a little oil and salt at high temperature, a crispy snack. I assume you'll need to watch it so it does not burn but it sounds delicious.
  • Ann Riffe Ann Riffe on Mar 04, 2016
    LOOKS LIKE BABY KALE- YOU CAN SAUTE IT , USE IT LIKE HOT SPINACH SALAD, OR JUST LIKE THE ROMAINE IN CAESAR SALAD ( MY FAVORITE)