Comfrey

What is Comfrey?

Comfrey refers to any perennial herb within the genus Symphytum, which belongs to the Boraginaceae family. These plants are native to Eurasia and are characterized by coarse, hairy leaves and bell-shaped flowers that bloom in one-sided, coiled sprays.¹²³

The most well-known species is common comfrey (S. officinale), which typically grows to about 90 centimeters (3 feet) in height and features blue, purple, or yellow flowers. Historically, comfrey has been used medicinally to treat wounds and as a source of gum for processing wool.¹⁴

It is important to note that while it has traditional medicinal uses, herbal preparations derived from the leaves or roots of comfrey are considered toxic if ingested internally. In some regions, such as North America, common comfrey has become naturalized as a weed.²⁴

Why is comfrey considered toxic if ingested?

How do gardeners use comfrey as a fertilizer?

What are other plants in the borage family?

The Boraginaceae family, commonly known as the borage or forget-me-not family, comprises 148 genera and over 2,700 species of flowering plants. These plants are typically herbaceous and often characterized by hairy foliage and flower clusters that coil like a scorpion’s tail.

The family includes a wide variety of garden ornamentals, medicinal plants, and even timber species. Notable members include:

• Garden Ornamentals: Heliotrope, lungwort, scorpion weed, and Virginia bluebell.
• Medicinal and Edible Plants: Borage, comfrey, and puccoon (stoneseed).
• Tropical Species: The genus Cordia, which includes over 200 species and important timber trees.
• Specialized Groups: The family also incorporates subfamilies such as Lennooideae (root parasites) and Hydrophylloideae, which includes the waterleaf family.