Comfrey- Symphytum officinale

Description:

Upper leaves smaller, all furry with stiff hairs. flowers not showy, 1/2 in. long, usually dull rose, sometimes white, creamy or purple. Leaves can be dried as medicinal tea, but use only with directions from a herbalist. Leaves grow all year in coastal Southern California. Plant goes dormant elsewhere. To keep leaf production high, cut out flowering stalks and mulch each spring with compost.

Plant type and Height and width:

Deep-rooted, clumping perennial to 3 ft. Basal leaves 8 in. or more in length

Light and soil:

Full sun with some types accepting partial shade. Preferably nitrogen rich soil with a fairly neutral pH.

Pests and disease:

Comfrey Rust (Melampsorella symphyti) is the biggest problem with comfrey. If you see rust starting immediately remove any infested leaves and destroy. Give the plants a good dose of potassium like some wood ashes. Follow with a good organic fertilizer. Allow ample space for air movement among the plants.

Propagation method:

Grow from root cuttings.

Herbal uses:

Comfrey has many healing properties to it. Briefly the roots and leaves contain allantoin. Allantoin is a protein with hormonal like qualities to it that stimulate cell proliferation. It is the allantoin that gives comfrey its' reputation for healing wounds, broken bones , burns, sprains, sore joints, dry skin and for reducing the swelling associated with fractures. Fresh, clean comfrey leaves can be used in a poultice to treat these injuries. Comfrey salves are readily available from health food stores. It is not recommended to take comfrey internally as liver damage has been known to occur from extended ingestion. Topical use is safe as the alkaloids will not penetrate the skin.

Insider's secret

Set plants 2 feet apart in an area where you can spare the space for them. Once you have planted comfrey it is there to stay. Although comfrey has a long history as a folk remedy, think hard before establishing it in your garden. Plant spreads freely from roots and is difficult to eradicate. Herb enthusiasts claim that comfrey accumulates minerals, enriches compost.

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