Collard

(botany) Brassica oleracea var. acephala. A biennial crucifer of the order Capparales grown for its rosette of edible leaves.

A cool-season biennial crucifer, Brassica oleracea var. acephala, similar to nonheading cabbage. Collard is of Mediterranean origin and is grown for its rosette of leaves, which are cooked fresh as a vegetable. Important production centers are in the southern United States, where collards are an important nutritious green, especially during winter months. See also Cabbage; Capparales; Kale.