Symphytumspp.
I am always count for way to make headway the maximal benefit from the industrial plant I farm .
When I cogitate about what coinage to receive into my precious garden outer space , one question I like to involve myself is , “ Does this plant life serve more than one occasion ? ”
For this reason , one of my all time favored herb to keep in my garden is cumfrey !
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This herbaceous perennial has an amazing salmagundi of USA , from improving soil wellness , to attracting pollinator , and even inseminate other industrial plant . It is also a long utilized herbal financial backing for wound healing and treating other complaint .
And it is extremely well-heeled to get – perhaps too loose , as it tends to propagate if it ’s not well managed .
Read on to learn why I suppose it ’s so special , and learn how to grow , harvest , and use this incredible plant .
What You’ll Learn
What Is Comfrey?
Comfrey is an herbaceous perennial appendage of the Borago officinalis kinsfolk . While there are over 30 do it species , only a few are generally cultivated for human employment .
S. officinaleis a unwashed multifariousness that is often used medicinally . It is aboriginal to Europe , as isS. asperrimum , or “ rough ” comfrey , which is constitute for its hairy parting .
The plant most normally rise in American garden isS.xuplandicum , also have intercourse as Russian healing herb . It is a naturally come uninventive hybrid ofS. officinaleandS. asperrimum .
This democratic kind is easier to manage thanS. officinalesince it does not proliferate by semen .
This medicinal herbaceous plant is easy to name , with its clump of large , vertical , 12- to 18 - inch hirsute dark-green leaves , and characteristic flag clump of bell - mold purple flush .
The ovate leave-taking farm speedily and , if repeatedly slue down , comfrey can continue to bloom all through the summertime . You will often find it grow wild in disturbed areas .
Comfrey has a long story of medicinal utilization , and it offers a numeral of benefit for the garden .
Cultivation and History
Comfrey has been cultivated for medicine since around 400 BC . It was used by the Greeks and Romans to cure humiliated ivory and wounds .
The word “ comfrey ” comes from the Latin verbconfervere , and the botanical nameSymphytumis derived from the Greeksymphyo , with both meaning “ grow together . ”
A hefty healer , it is still used by herbalists today to treat wounds , osseous tissue injuries , and other ailments .
aboriginal to Europe and Asia , wild comfrey was likely make for to the US by English immigrant for medicative use .
In the 1800s , theS.xupandicumhybrid was heavily promoted by researcher Henry Doubleday as a food and forage harvest .
However , recent studies have discover it to be carcinogenic when hire internally in large amount , potentially make important liver damage .
In the 1950s , Lawrence D. Hills , British horticulturist , constitute the Henry Doubleday Research Organization in Essex , UK , to cover researching comfrey , and he evolve a unfertile nervous strain sleep together as ‘ Bocking 14 ’ or Quaker comfrey , an homage to Doubleday ’s religion .
Though no longer ordinarily ware as food for thought since we ’re now aware of the potential wellness risk , comfrey still has so much to proffer . Whether you are looking to build up the grunge , fertilize your garden , attract pollinators , or handle external injuries , this versatile plant life is an incredibly worthwhile one to have around !
Garden Use
Comfrey is a ample reference of atomic number 7 , phosphorus , and potassium as well as micronutrient including calcium and magnesium .
It is known in permaculture circles as a active accumulator or nutrient storage battery ; its long , thick taproots reach late into the ground and draw potassium , calcium , and magnesium up into the above - ground parts , where they accumulate in the foliage .
It is worth noting that there is some contention around this definition of comfrey as a nutrient accumulator and while there is an abundance of anecdotical data point , it has not been scientifically proven .
The leave can be harvested easily and used as a fertilizer or green manure to improve the nutrient timbre of soil , and to support the growth of other works .
In my experience , comfrey has been fantastically useful in building soil and supporting other plant , but in the absence seizure of concrete data point , you will have to draw your own conclusions !
Other likely welfare aside , the rich taproots are useful for breaking up hard , impenetrable clay soils .
And the quickly growing , big leaf make a square amount of biomass , which can be contract repeatedly throughout the time of year and used to sum a alimental - copious mulch to yearly garden beds .
I often apply the impertinently cut parting as a mulch directly on top of the grime , but for a neater look , they can be chop up up and work into the top few in or else .
This green manure can also be planted in a band around repeated fruit , nut , or decorative trees .
Cut leaf employ as mulch put up a much - needed source of potassium , an importantplant nutrient .
Repeatedly chop down leaves for mulch also do some origin dieback , which allows constituent of the roots to decompose underground and recycle nitrogen , phosphorus , and potassium back into the ground .
Do n’t care about this dieback damaging your plant . This herb is vigorous , and in my experience , it will likely bear on to thrive no matter what you do to it !
Leaves can also be incorporated into compost piles to accelerate the cognitive process . The high-pitched level of nitrogen uncommitted in the leaves can balance out a high carbon to nitrogen proportion , and help jump - start the disintegration process .
Another way to take advantage of the nutrients usable in this plant is to make a “ comfrey teatime , ” which can be used as an constituent fertilizer that ’s rich in nitrogen , phosphorus , and potassium .
For complete instructions onhow to make comfrey fertilizer tea at home chip out our guide .
Research on the role of comfrey tea has also unveil that it can be used to prevent the spread head of powdery mould .
If these benefits are not enough to convince you of its usefulness in the garden , then you could plainly delight in the fact that the beautiful bell - shape imperial flowers will attract plenty of bees , butterfly , and hummingbirds .
Medicinal Use
Soothing , vile , and healing , comfrey is know conversationally as knitbone thanks to its long - standing reputation for being able to speed up recovery from os injuries and wounds .
It has been used both locally and internally for many hundred in Europe to aid cure confused bones , bruises , burn , and wounds .
Medical Herbalism : The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine
According to David Hoffman in his book “ Medical Herbalism : The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine,”available on Amazon , the works contains a chemical substance call allantoin , which encourages cell proliferation , meaning it helps cells to uprise and repair more chop-chop .
ointment made from comfrey may help accelerate healing of low bones , bruise , tendon harm , and shoot down cartilage , and can also help to reduce scarring .
A poultice of mashed leave may also be used to heal cuts and scrapes .
The flora also has a chronicle of national use of goods and services , specifically for treating ulcer and GI proceeds , but late research suggests that it may not be secure for internal consumption .
It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids ( pappa ) , which have a rare but serious peril of accumulating and make spartan liver damage when ingest repeatedly over a prospicient period .
There is quite a lot of conflicting information on whether or not comfrey iseversafe to use internally , even among clinical herbalists .
A Note of Caution:
Always essay medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any nutritional or herbal appurtenance . This info is not signify to diagnose , goody , or cure any condition and is for informational design only .
Propagation
Comfrey can be propagated easily from thinning or by division . democratic species such asS.xuplandicumare sterile , and therefore can only be propagate by cuttings or division .
Cuttings are best transplant during dormancy , in former leap or crepuscle , though in my experience , fledged plants are extremely hardy and can stick out cut being taken at any clock time during the spring up season .
I have dug up and transplant giant plants in the middle of a sweltering summertime and they still survived .
Leave sizeable space between cuttings when found , as these plants uprise and spread out very quickly once they are established . About two to four feet between each should be enough space .
Once a patch has been established , you’re able to divide plants or dig up piece of roots to cut and replant .
One thing to keep in mind is that this herb can be hard to take away from gardens . If even a tiny section of a root is leave behind behind in the stain , it can pullulate a new plant life .
So be measured to implant only where you desire to have a long - standing dapple !
Comfrey plants can be pass around by cap division or from theme cuttings .
By Crown Division
apprehend up half of a matured works as instructed above . hold the removed plant upright by the leaves , cut across the roots about three inch from the top .
This top section will be used for the crown division , while the lower roots can be used for tooth root cuttings .
Remove the leaves from the diadem , and erupt or cut the crown vertically into several plane section about an inch or two in size .
Since each section contains summit and tooth root , these should sprout more chop-chop than root cutting .
Replant crowns three to six inch mystifying in garden soil spaced 12 to 24 inches apart , with the roots facing down , and pee thoroughly .
This is a faster method of generation , and crown divisions typically take only 10 days to protrude grow new growth .
Comfrey crown can also be purchased from your local nursery or online . But before you spend any money on bare roots or crowns , I would recommend checking in with your neighbors .
It is pretty easy to notice a friend with extra comfrey to share !
From Root Cuttings
Choose a ripe plant and relax the grease around it . Split the plant life down the middle with a spade , dig about a substructure down to force up half the flora , and fill again the hole with soil .
The section left in the ground will recover apace .
With the cut section , remove leaves and sheer the long sidelong roots to piece two to six inches in length . Replant roots horizontally under two to six inch of garden stain .
found two inches bass in dense clay dirt , and closer to six column inch in loose sandy grunge . Water well
preserve to water every few day if conditions are juiceless . You will bulge to see new shoot thump out of the soil after about three to six weeks .
If you pick out to grow crowns or stem cutting in container for plant out later , take a declamatory tummy at least six inches abstruse .
Plant three inches deeply inpotting soiland set in a cool room between 50 and 60 ° F that receives collateral sunlight . Water now and again to keep moist but not waterlogged .
After about six weeks , once new leaves have begun to form you may transfer out to the garden .
From Seed
S. officinale , common comfrey , can be grow from cum . It is best to direct sow outdoors about three weeks before the average last frost day of the month , planting about half an inch deep in soil .
water system well and keep the soil moist until seeds pullulate in about two to three weeks .
How to Grow
There is n’t a whole lot to growing comfrey in terms of maintenance . It is an extremely kind and bouncy industrial plant .
suited for perennial cultivation inUSDA Hardiness Zones4 to 9 , it is not very raw to dirt conditions or pH , and it diffuse quickly .
There is no need to worry much about weed control condition , because comfrey ’s big , quick - grow leaves will shade them out .
Even better , there is no tangible need to vex about pests and disease , as this plant typically does not suffer from any major issues .
Its adorable Melville Bell mould flowers draw in pollinator and other beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps , which can help repulse pests .
There are just a few simple tricks that I ’d wish to share , to help keep your comfrey piece at its peak :
works in full sunlight to partial shade . During the first year , glean sparingly to allow plants to establish strong roots that penetrate deep into the undersoil .
After that , plants can be rationalise down several times a class .
If you are using comfrey for mulch , veer leaves as the flowering angry walk begin to emerge , any time from late natural spring through autumn .
This can be done several times a year , as this herbaceous plant cover to send up new heyday haunt all time of year long .
set aside the plant to bloom at least once during the growing time of year , to attract pollinators . I like to cut down unlike plants at different times so I will always have some flowers blooming in my garden .
It is significant that these plants get adequate water , especially in dry clime . They can wilt quickly if conditions are too spicy and dry , but generally resurrect quickly with regular lachrymation .
Growing Tips
Maintenance
It does n’t take much to keep comfrey happy . you may cut stems back after flowering to encourage repeat blooming .
However , keep in judgement that this plant does have a tendency to spread . invalidate digging or till nearby ; by chance chop up the roots can conduce to accidental spread , pass water it virtually impossible to keep a bandage under dominance .
If you want to remove plants from an area , you cantry sheet mulchingover them .
To do this , trim flora all the way down , place a thick sheet of composition board on top of the soil , and embrace with several layers of compost , husk , leaves , aged manure , or any other mulch material you have on hand .
you’re able to plant a new garden immediately on top of the mulch , or allow the cloth to decompose for a few calendar month first .
Species to Select
As mentioned , there are two master species , S. xuplandicumandS. officinalis .
If you do n’t have a protagonist or neighbor with some cuttings to spare , you could easily source comfrey from your local baby’s room or online .
Also known as Russian comfrey , S.xuplandicumis a infertile hybrid that does not self seed . A vigorous cultivator , it is excellent for develop heavy amounts of biomass for mulch and compost .
This is the motley most commonly crop in US garden .
‘ Axminster Gold ’ is a variegated cultivar that has dark-green and scandalmongering foliage .
‘ Bocking # 14 ’
‘ Bocking # 14 ’ is another excellent option that comes highly recommended by many gardeners . you may find rooted cutting from Marsh Creek Farmsteadavailable via Amazon .
Traditionally used for medicinal purposes , the leaves ofS. officinaleare more elongated than those ofS. xuplandicum , and the prime bring forth viable seed .
The prime also tend to be pick or purplish in color , whileS. xuplandicumhas blue or violet blossom .
S. officinale
Packages of 10 seeds areavailable from Earthbeat Seeds .
Managing Pests and Disease
One great affair about comfrey is that it does n’t typically have many problems with pests and disease , and those that do regard it do n’t tend to be serious .
Just keep an occasional eye on your plants you should n’t have too much to worry about .
While this low care works is n’t bothered by much , there are still a few pests that can cause impairment if you are n’t make up attention .
bullet and snailscan sometimes chew holes through leafage .
These wretched plague lay their egg in moist stain and can multiply apace in coolheaded , wet conditions .
If you have problems with snail and slugs in your garden , it is best to look to mulch until dry summertime weather or skitter the mulch altogether .
you’re able to remove these pests manually and submerge them in soapy water , or sink pocket-size open cup of beer in the soil up to the brim to lure unsuspicious slugs .
Disease
While disease is n’t particularly common , comfrey can sometimes be touch by fungal infections , especially in wet conditions .
While seldom serious , this fungal disease caused byMelampsorella symphytican undermine growth . It come along as pocket-size orangish spots on leaf and can send out spores that can infect nearby plant .
With former spying , you may simply cut and throw out of septic leaves . If an infestation becomes serious , you may need to dig up and discard of septic plant .
Do not practice infected plant for cuttings as this fungus an overwinter in the roots . you’re able to also plant Russian healing herb , which is typically resistant , in sphere have it away to be harry by this disease .
Powdery mildew thrives in moist conditions and can sometimes cover comfrey leaves with a white pulverisation - like finishing .
you could treat mould with a milk spray stretch with H2O at a 1:10 ratio . It is also a dear melodic theme to void overhead tearing to prevent enter excess moisture to your plants .
Read more about powdery mold here .
Harvesting
you could harvest leaf sparingly the first yr , but it ’s good to look until the 2nd time of year when root are well base to pick your first full harvest .
Once leaves are a couple of feet tall , snub them down by gather a clump and shearing them off a few inches above the primer coat .
Plants will regrow to the same size within just a few weeks !
The leaves are a moment prickly , so you may want to wear glove and long sleeves while you make .
If harvest the roots , it is in force to wait until late gloam , which is when the plant life is put most of its energy into root development .
Seed saving is also potential if you are growingS. officinale , but it is a number intriguing since seeds mature and drop from the plant life on an ongoing basis throughout the time of year .
incubate source fuel pod with fabric seed bags will allow you to more easy collect seed as they mature .
Store seeds in a paper traveling bag or field glass jolt in a dark , cool location until you are ready to plant .
Preserving
You may use the leaves fresh for mulch or to make fertilizer , and dry out the leaves and root word to make topical medicative planning such as steep oils or salves .
Comfrey fertilizer can be made by plunge fresh leaves in a bucket of water for several week .
The leave are a bit challenging to dry out because they are so downy and fleshy . For secure results , lie them out in a individual layer on a drying single-foot and flip over them often , cast away any that show mark of mold .
you’re able to also try drying them in a dark , dry room , or by placing leaves in a dehydrator or a warm oven . Once the leaf are completely dry , store them in an airtight container in a dark-skinned office .
To dry the roots , scrub them well and then chop up them into modest pieces prior to drying .
Once dry out , they are nearly impossible to cut , so it is important to do this step while they are still fresh . The roots can be dried on a wrack , in a dehydrator , or in a affectionate oven .
Get more tips on drying and lay in herbs in this guide .
Make a Salve
immingle or mash up fresh comfrey leaves and steep them in a carrier oil colour for several weeks in a sealed Methedrine jarful .
Cold - pressed olive vegetable oil is a great choice , but many type of electroneutral carrier oil will work . Place the jar in a warm and gay location for the first few days , and then move it to a dark location like a cupboard . stir daily .
After four to six week , strain out the herb and heat the oil in a dual steam boiler with some beeswax , stirring often . apply one ounce of beeswax for every four oz. of oil .
Add a few drops of vitamin einsteinium oil color to lengthen the salve ’s shelf life . When the wax has melted , pour into tins or jars and set aside at room temperature to provide the smorgasbord to set .
I know summate a few free fall of wad or lavender essential oil into each jar for a bit of impart fragrance .
hive away the salve in a coolheaded , dark location and habituate it topically on cut , scrapes , bump , and bruises to comfort external injury and promote healing .
Quick Reference Growing Guide
An Herb with Many Uses
It is hard to top a plant that can improve soil , bear out fruit Tree , attract pollinator , add beauty , and provide practice of medicine all at the same time .
Comfrey is a horticulture must have , in my opinion . It offer so many benefits and , once install , it takes virtually no effort to keep it around .
And for more info about growingmedicinal plantsin your garden , have a look at these guides next :
© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . earlier published on February 21st , 2021 . Last updated April 5th , 2023 . Product photos via Earthbeat Seeds , Frozen Seed Capsules , Healing Arts Press , Home Depot , and Marsh Creek Homestead . Uncredited photos : Shutterstock .
About
Heather Buckner
