Answer:
Though not a plant I have leaves. though not a beast I have spine. Though many wouldn't need me I am more valuable than wine.
Tear me off and scratch my head, what once was red is black instead. What am I?
I am flora not fauna. I am foliage not trees. I am shrubbery not grass.
I plow and plow but never sow.
You turn me over after you have traveled far. What am I?
Though not a plant, has leaves. Though not a beast, has spine. Though many wouldn't need this thing, It's more valuable than wine.