Comfrey Symphytum grandiflorum

Names

• Synonyms

  Creeping Comfrey, Large-Flowered Comfrey, Ornamental Comfrey, Ground Cover Comfrey, Dwarf Comfrey.

• Common names

  Symphytum grandiflorum.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Comfrey, which is the most common name for Symphytum grandiflorum, contains compounds that can be toxic to humans if ingested. These compounds are primarily pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage and have the potential to be carcinogenic. The symptoms of poisoning from ingesting comfrey may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, liver damage, and in severe cases, it may result in hepatic failure. It is particularly dangerous to consume comfrey in large amounts or over a prolonged period. The external use of comfrey on the skin is generally considered safe, but internal use should be avoided.

• To pets

  Comfrey is also toxic to pets due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. If a pet ingests this plant, the animal may experience symptoms similar to those in humans, including gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as potential liver damage if consumed in large quantities or over an extended period. Chronic ingestion can lead to severe and potentially fatal liver failure. It is crucial to prevent pets from ingesting comfrey and to seek veterinary help if poisoning is suspected.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Yellow

• Height

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Spread

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  4

• Native area

  Caucasus

General Benefits

• Ornamental value: Symphytum grandiflorum, commonly known as comfrey, offers aesthetic appeal to gardens with its large, bell-shaped flowers and lush foliage.
• Soil improvement: Comfrey has deep roots that help to break up heavy soils and improve soil structure, promoting better water infiltration and aeration.
• Attracts pollinators: The flowers of comfrey are a food source for bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity in the garden.
• Companion planting: Comfrey can be beneficial when planted alongside other crops, as it can provide nutrients when its leaves decompose and act as a natural mulch.
• Wildlife habitat: The dense foliage of comfrey provides shelter for beneficial insects and small animals, thus enhancing the ecological balance of the garden environment.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Symphytum grandiflorum, commonly known as comfrey, can be used as a green mulch or cover crop. Its rapid growth helps suppress weeds and adds nutrients to the soil when it breaks down.
• Comfrey is useful as a companion plant in the garden, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects essential for biological pest control.
• The leaves of comfrey can be added to a compost heap as an activator; they decompose quickly and can help speed up the composting process.
• Comfrey's deep roots have the ability to mine nutrients from deep within the soil, which can be accessed when the leaves are used as a mulch or in compost, effectively recycling nutrients back to the surface.
• Plant residues of comfrey can be used to create a natural liquid fertilizer through a fermentation process, which is then diluted and used to feed other plants.
• The fibers extracted from comfrey have been traditionally used in papermaking, adding a unique texture and strength to the finished product.
• Due to its natural mucilage, comfrey leaves can be used as a natural plant-based thickener in food recipes, though it is not commonly used for this purpose.
• Comfrey can be used as an organic animal fodder, particularly for chickens and pigs, because of its high protein content. Caution is needed, however, as it also contains compounds that can be toxic to animals if consumed in large quantities.
• When planted along riverbanks or slopes, comfrey can help reduce soil erosion with its deep root system, acting as a stabilizing agent.
• Some gardeners create decorative borders and low hedges with comfrey because of its attractive flowers and large leaves, adding structure to garden beds.

Feng Shui

The Comfrey is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Comfrey is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing: Symphytum grandiflorum, commonly known as comfrey, has been historically used for its medicinal properties, especially in helping to heal wounds, broken bones, and sprains due to its compound allantoin, which is known to aid in cell growth and repair.
• Protection: Folk traditions often include comfrey in rituals and amulets to provide protection, particularly to travelers and to safeguard against theft.
• Money: In some folklore, comfrey is believed to bring about financial gain or prevent monetary loss, when the leaves are placed in one's wallet or purse.
• Safety during travel: With its supposed protective qualities, carrying comfrey was also believed to ensure safety during travel, protecting the traveler from accidents and hazards.