Russian Comfrey is a
non-native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodland margins, hedgerows and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 100cm.
Russian Comfrey was introduced in the nineteenth century from the Caucasus. Comfrey's very deep roots allow it to access and accumulate nutrients beyond the reach of other plants. This allows gardeners to harvest and rot the leaves to create an organic fertiliser rich in potassium.
Botanic classification and naming: Russian Comfrey is a member of the Borage (Boraginaceae) family. The genus name
'Symphytum' identifies the plant as a Comfrey and its species name 'x' means 'Swedish Uppland plant'.
Concerns: All parts of the plant are toxic. Ingestion may cause liver damage. Contact with the leaf hairs can cause skin irritation.
Benefits: Russian Comfrey is pollinated by bees, attracting Honey bees and Bumble bees with pollen and nectar, which they often access by biting through the base of the flower.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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