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1 purple, 1 green, fuzzy flowers at internodes #169286

Asked March 08, 2014, 2:28 PM EST

I grow an indoor garden in Maine and try various mixes and sprouts for greens also. I scrapped a batch of mixed greens but transplanted two that were just interesting looking. If you chew on a leave you're mouth goes from, oh nice to tingly to numbish to menthol afterwards. What did I grow? Danger? Thanks, Ron W.

Somerset County Maine

Expert Response

Dear Ron,

I'll have to do some investigating to identify your plant, but please don't eat anymore unless you know it is safe! 

Can you tell me what kind of mix the seed was in, and where you bought it?

Back to you soon,





Best Regards, Replied March 08, 2014, 7:01 PM EST
Hi, I've used a dozen kinds but I think it might have been Gurneys spicy mesclun or spicy mustard/spinach mix. My guess is the mesclun mix I noticed the 2 stems are squared somewhat like a mint. Thank for responding. Ron
The Question Asker Replied March 09, 2014, 12:03 AM EST
Hi Ron,

I am not having much luck in getting a positive ID on your plants. One suggestion is that they are some variety of amaranthus. You can see some photos here: http://www.eattheweeds.com/amaranth-identification/

You might send your photos to Gurney's to see if they can identify them. It's possible that these plants are part of the mix, or it could contain weed or other varietal plant seeds that are not intentionally part of the mix. The squarish stems usually indicates the mint family, but you might let one of them go to full flower to make identification easier. However, if they are an "exotic" plant, from another region they may be very difficult to positively identify.

Many plants (including lettuces) become bitter when they bolt and go to flower. This is why they are harvested when young and tender. In any case, numbness in the mouth is not a good thing, so I would avoid eating those plants. 

I am sorry that I can't provide a better answer, but if Gurney's is able to name it, please let me know.
Best Regards, Replied March 09, 2014, 2:00 PM EDT

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