Contents
Description
Symphytum, commonly known as comfrey, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, but has been naturalized in many other parts of the world. Comfrey is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 1.5 meters in height. It has large, hairy leaves and produces clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Symphytum |
Appearance
Comfrey has large, rough, hairy leaves that can grow up to 30 centimeters in length. The leaves are arranged spirally on the stem and have a pointed oval shape. The flowers are small, bell-shaped, and typically grow in clusters at the end of the stem. They come in shades of blue, pink, or white, and have five petals. The plant can grow up to 1.5 meters tall, and its roots can be quite deep.
Care Guide
Comfrey is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for your comfrey plant:Water: Comfrey prefers moist soil, so it’s important to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.Fertilization: Comfrey doesn’t require much fertilization. You can add some compost or organic fertilizer to the soil once a year to help it grow.Soil: Comfrey prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it grows best in slightly acidic soil.Sunlight: Comfrey prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will grow best in a sunny location.Hardiness Zones: Comfrey can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Comfrey is generally a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, there are a few things to watch out for:Slugs and snails: These pests can damage the leaves and flowers of comfrey. Use organic slug bait or handpick the slugs and snails to keep them under control.Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot in comfrey. If you notice that the leaves are turning yellow or the plant is wilting, reduce the amount of water you’re giving it.
Habitat
Comfrey is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been naturalized in many other parts of the world, including North America. It can grow in a variety of habitats, including meadows, pastures, and along riverbanks. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is comfrey safe to eat? A: While comfrey has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic to the liver. It is not recommended to eat comfrey.Q: Can comfrey be used as a natural fertilizer?A: Yes, comfrey is a great plant to use as a natural fertilizer. You can make comfrey tea by soaking the leaves in water for several weeks, and then use the resulting liquid to fertilize your plants.Q: How often should I water my comfrey plant?A: Comfrey prefers moist soil, so it’s important to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.Q: Can comfrey be invasive?A: Yes, comfrey can be invasive if not properly contained. It spreads through its root system, so it’s a good idea to plant it in a container or in an area where you don’t mind it spreading.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants in the Boraginaceae family:- Borage (Borago officinalis)- Forget-me-not (Myosotis)- Lungwort (Pulmonaria)- Viper’s bugloss (Echium vulgare)
References
– “Symphytum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=289685.- “Comfrey.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac, www.almanac.com/plant/comfrey.- “Symphytum.” Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphytum.
