Identifying Ornamental Kale

Examine the positioning of the plant’s leaves. Leaves in the center should be as loose as the ones on the exterior. If they form a head, like iceberg lettuce for example, the species is more likely a cabbage plant.

Observe the coloring of the plant. Ornamental kale can be colored white, red, pink, blue, purple and lavender. Some of the exterior leaves might be a dark or light green, but at least 50 percent of the plant should have bright coloration. If the leaves are an even green color throughout, the plant might be common kale or cabbage, but not ornamental kale.

Measure the height of the specimen. Ornamental kale grows between 1 and 3 feet high, on average. If the plant is much larger than 3 feet tall, or much smaller than 1 foot, it could be a hosta or small cabbage.

Consider the time of year the plant grows. Many plants are intolerant to cold, but ornamental kale can easily survive below-freezing conditions. It grows best between early fall and late winter, producing brilliant colors and bushy leaves. If the plant appears intolerant of cold weather or withers when autumn arrives, it is not likely ornamental kale.

Break one of the plant’s leaves and smell it. Kale has a distinct scent, slightly sulfuric and similar to freshly sliced cabbage. Some individuals find the smell of kale offensive and reminiscent of fish or sour milk. If the plant does not have a smell, it might be a hosta or other leafy plant.