Common comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Jason Ingram

Symphytum officinale

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Common comfreyPerennial, DeciduousFamily: Boraginaceae

Height: 1.5mSpread: 1.5m
Frost hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Pink

Purple

White

Yellow

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade

Aspect:

East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Back

Soil

Boggy

Symphytum officinale or common comfrey is a hardy perennial in the Boraginaceae family, which also includes forget-me-not, viper's bugloss and pulmonaria. Common comfrey is native to the UK, but it isn’t easy to distinguish from other comfrey species such as Russian comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum), and cross-pollination between the two is common. The leaves of common comfrey are dark green, large and hairy, and could be confused with poisonous foxglove leaves before the flowers appear. Symphytum officinale contains toxic chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause serious disease including liver damage.

In the wild, common comfrey thrives in moist, fertile, deep soil in a sunny position or in partial shade. It grows best in neutral to slightly acid soils. It’s a vigorous grower and sets seed readily, so it’s unsuitable for all except the largest gardens. Once established, it can be difficult to get rid of as sections of root left in the ground can develop into new plants.

Comfrey is often grown to harvest as a plant fertiliser. Symphytum x uplandicum ‘Bocking 14’ is generally preferable to common comfrey for this purpose as it's a sterile cultivar, so won’t set seed around the garden.

Symphytum officinale and wildlife

Symphytum officinale is good for wildlife. Comfrey flowers bloom for a long period (typically May to August) and are attractive to bees. Bee species with long tongues, such as garden bumblebees, are able to access the nectar in the conventional manner, while short-tongued bees will engage in 'nectar robbing' by biting a hole at the top of the flower to get at the nectar. The leaves are the food plant of scarlet tiger moth caterpillars.

How to grow Symphytum officinale

Choose a sunny area where the soil remains moist throughout the year. Plant comfrey in spring (or autumn) in well-prepared ground free of perennial weeds. Mulch with organic material such as garden compost topped with leaf mould to conserve water and prevent the growth of weeds.

How to care for Symphytum officinale

Common comfrey isn't particularly susceptible to pests or diseases, and requires little attention once established. Make sure the soil doesn’t dry out, especially when young plants are becoming established. As leaves can irritate the hands, it's advisable to wear gloves.

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Advice on buying Symphytum officinale

Make sure you plant it in an area where it won't outcompete less vigorous plants
Always check plants for signs of pests or diseases before buying or planting
If you choose to grow from seed, make sure you chose a non-sterile comfrey, such as common comfrey

Where to buy common comfrey seeds and plants

Frequently asked questions

Why was comfrey banned?

Comfrey was banned because of its toxicity to animals and humans, particularly liver toxicity.

What is Symphytum used for in homeopathy?

Symphytum was traditionally used for bone and wound healing (one of its old names is 'knitbone'), painful muscles and joints, and inflammation. In homeopathy, it's primarily used to help bone healing. Always consult a doctor, pharmacist or a qualified herbalist before using plants for self-medication.

Who should not use comfrey?

Comfrey shouldn’t be ingested by anyone. It shouldn't be used at all by anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding. It should also be completely avoided for children, the elderly, and people with cancer, liver, kidney or vascular disease or a history of alcoholism.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSowyesyesyes**yesPlantyesyesyesFlowersyesyesyesDivideyesyesyes

Symphytum ‘Officinale’ and wildlife

Symphytum ‘Officinale’ is known for attracting bees. It is a caterpillar food plant and has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is not known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is not known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Symphytum ‘Officinale’ poisonous?

Symphytum ‘Officinale’ irritates skin, is harmful if ingested and toxins are absorbed by the skin. Its bark, foliage, fruit, pollen, roots, sap, seed capsules and seeds are toxic.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract Cats

Cats

Is known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is known to attract Horses

Horses

Is known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is known to attract People

People

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds