Common Comfrey is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in damp ground and water margins, to a mature height of up to 120cm.
Common Comfrey is a hairy, bushy plant with large elongated leaves and bristly stems. The flowers of Common Comfrey can be creamy-white, pink, magenta or purple. Comfrey is good for organic gardening. Apart from attracting pollinators, after flowering, it is commonly used to make liquid fertiliser (by chopping it up, using gloves for protection, and rotting it in a bucket of water). It can also be used as a sacrificial plant to lure slugs for removal, to control their numbers.
Botanic classification and naming: Common Comfrey is a member of the Borage (Boraginaceae) family. The genus name
'Symphytum' identifies the plant as a Comfrey and its species name 'officinale' means 'herbal medicinal plant'.
Concerns: All parts of the plant are toxic. Ingestion may cause liver damage. Contact with the leaf hairs can cause skin irritation.
Benefits: Produces lots of nectar, attracts Bumble bees, and caterpillars of the Scarlet Tiger moth feed on this plant.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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