High Desert Tree Collard Landrace

Each a unique plant from our own landrace—a genetically diverse, climate-adapted perennial kale population. Clone your favorites or let them grow and seed for continued evolution!

These tree collards are grown out in native High Desert soil from the Homesteader’s Kaleidoscopic Perennial kale grex—a genetically rich, open-pollinated population developed through years of careful selection for perennial growth, flavor, and resilience.

Unlike annual kale, tree collards grow as woody, branching plants that function more like small shrubs than vegetables. Once established, they provide a nearly year-round harvest of tender, flavorful greens without the need for constant replanting. Plants vary naturally in leaf shape, size, texture, and color, ranging from smooth to ruffled leaves and shades of green, purple, red, and occasionally striking seasonal variegation after cold exposure. Every plant is genetically unique.

This grex traces its lineage to historic perennial kales such as Purple Tree Collards and Daubenton, along with a wide range of Brassica oleracea—including kales, cabbages, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, and other old European and coastal types. Rather than being bred for uniformity, this population was intentionally developed as a diverse, interbreeding group (a “grex”), allowing strong plants to emerge that are adaptable, vigorous, and resilient across varied conditions.

Grown here in native High Desert soil, these tree collards demonstrate excellent drought tolerance once established, strong regrowth after harvest, and impressive longevity. With proper spacing (at least 3 feet), plants can reach substantial size over time and remain productive for multiple years. While some plants will flower, many continue growing afterward, and exceptional individuals can be maintained indefinitely through stem cuttings, making this crop ideal for long-term food security and on-farm propagation.

In the kitchen, tree collards are highly regarded for their rich flavor and succulent texture. They perform beautifully sautéed, braised, steamed, or used as a spinach substitute, and are well loved by chefs, market customers, and CSA members alike. Beyond human food, tree collards have deep roots in agricultural history as a dependable forage crop and can be cut for chickens, goats, sheep, and other livestock, fitting seamlessly into silvopasture and agroforestry systems.

This is not a uniform commercial variety, but a living, evolving perennial vegetable—perfect for homesteads, permaculture food forests, regenerative farms, and gardeners who value adaptability, diversity, and long-term productivity.

Sold in half gallon pots

Brassica oleracea