This rosetted-leaved perennial from Europe, Northern-Africa and Southwest-Asia, grows from a taproot and has leaves which, depending on subspecies and environment, can be coloured totally green to green with red to purple veines. In the Garden it is both a decorative leaf-plant and edible vegetable. The upright growing flower-stems can be green to blood-red as well. The panicles with green, starry flowers colour blood-red too. After flowering deep brown fruits are formed. The leaves have a acid taste. They are moderately eaten as a salad and cooked. For a spot in light shade to sun and in moist, moderately fertile soil.
