Symphytum officinale Seeds | Common Comfrey Root
LATIN NAME: Symphytum officinale
COMMON NAME: Common Comfrey
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Common Comfrey, Symphytum officinale is a noteworthy species in the borage family. Common comfrey mends soft, hairy leaves with broad, lance-shaped blades and nodding clusters of small, purple and cream flowers through summer, the whole plant carrying the sturdy, useful look of the old cottage herbs. Flowers open in curled clusters, roots grow thick and black-skinned, and plant spreads into generous, leafy clumps. Leaves are rich in minerals, and they have served gardens and remedies for generations. While it flowers, it feeds a quiet procession of bees and hoverflies. All of this makes Common Comfrey a satisfying plant to grow and to get to know.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Symphytum officinale ranges from the botany of the borage family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. In borage family, common comfrey carries a long, documented record in herbal research. A long cultivation history means growers know what to expect from it.
Uses & Benefits
Common Comfrey brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. In moist corner of garden, common comfrey heals and feeds at once. Roots and leaves have served healing ointments and poultices for generations, mineral-rich leaves make rich compost and liquid feed, and flowers draw the bees. Plant gives generous, leafy growth and steady, useful harvest through the season. After the first season it asks for very little beyond a place that suits it.
Comfrey, knitbone, was the great wound herb of Europe, its allantoin genuinely cell-proliferant and still used externally in European ointments; its pyrrolizidine alkaloids make internal use inadvisable, a classic external-only herb.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Common Comfrey under ordinary good conditions. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in partial shade until the seedlings are well up. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Common Comfrey settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Beginners will find it patient of imperfect technique.
Related Reading
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