Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Boraginales > Boraginaceae > Symphytum > Symphytum uplandicumSymphytum uplandicum (upland comfrey)Synonyms: Symphytum caeruleum; Symphytum coeruleum (homotypic); Symphytum densiflorum; Symphytum discolor; Symphytum lilacinum; Symphytum uplandicum f. caeruleum; Symphytum uplandicum f. coeruleum; Symphytum uplandicum f. densiflorum; Symphytum uplandicum f. discolor; Symphytum uplandicum f. lilacinum; Symphytum xperegrinum; Symphytum xuplandicum Comfrey (also comphrey) is a common name for plants in the genus Symphytum. Comfrey species are important herbs in organic gardening. It is used as a fertilizer and as an herbal medicine. The most commonly used species is Russian comfrey Symphytum × uplandicum, which is a cross or hybrid of Symphytum officinale (common comfrey) and Symphytum asperum (rough comfrey). |
| Edible [1] | May be edible. See the Plants For A Future link below for details. | | Flower Type [1] | Hermaphrodite | | Hazards [1] | This plant contains small quantities of a toxic alkaloid which can have a cumulative effect upon the liver. Largest concentrations are found in the roots, leaves contain higher quantities of the alkaloid as they grow older and young leaves contain almost none. Most people would have to consume very large quantities of the plant in order to do any harm, though anyone with liver problems should obviously be more cautious. In general, the health-promoting properties of the plant probably far outweigh any possible disbenefits, especially if only the younger leaves are used. | | Lifespan [1] | Perennial | | Pollinators [1] | Bees | | Structure [3] | Herb | | Usage [1] | The plant grows very quickly, producing a lot of bulk. It is tolerant of being cut several times a year and can be used to provide 'instant compost' for crops such as potatoes. Simply layer the wilted leaves at the bottom of the potato trench or apply them as a mulch in no-dig gardens. A liquid feed can be obtained by soaking the leaves in a small amount of water for a week, excellent for potassium demanding crops such as tomatoes. The leaves are also a very valuable addition to the compost heap;
A gum obtained from the roots was at one time used in the treatment of wool before it was spun;
Plants can be grown as a ground cover when planted about 1.2 metres apart each way; |  | | Height [1] | 3.936 feet (1.2 m) | | Width [1] | 24 inches (0.6 m) | | | Light Preference [2] | Mixed Sun/Shade | | Soil Acidity [2] | Neutral | | Soil Fertility [2] | Rich | | Soil Moisture [2] | Moist |
View Plants For A Future Record : Symphytum uplandicum |
Species taxanomy provided by GBIF Secretariat (2022). GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Checklist dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/39omei accessed via GBIF.org on 2023-06-13; License: CC BY 4.0
|