Iberian comfrey Symphytum ibericum
ABOUT
Symphytum ibericum, commonly known as Caucasian comfrey, is a perennial plant recognized for its lush foliage and distinctive flowers. The leaves are broad, rough in texture, and gradually taper towards the tip, resembling elongated ovals. They boast a vibrant green color that can bring life to garden settings. The charm of this plant is elevated during its blooming period when it showcases clusters of bell-shaped flowers that dangle delicately from curving stalks. These flowers are typically a deep and mesmerizing shade of blue, sometimes with purplish or pinkish tones that create an appealing contrast with the greenery. Caucasian comfrey's impressive visual display makes it a favorite among gardeners who wish to add a touch of color and texture to their landscapes without discussing its specific growth measurements.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Iberian Comfrey, Caucasian Comfrey
Common names
Symphytum asperrimum, Symphytum caucasicum, Symphytum ibericum var. asperrimum, Symphytum ibericum subsp. caucasicum.
ToxicityTo humans
Comfrey, which Symphytum ibericum is commonly known as, contains toxic substances known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These PAs can be harmful if ingested and have been linked to liver damage, which could potentially be severe or even fatal. Consuming comfrey can lead to the development of veno-occlusive disease, a condition in which the small veins in the liver become obstructed, potentially leading to liver failure. Symptoms of PA poisoning may include abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, jaundice, and in severe cases, hepatic encephalopathy. It is important for humans to avoid ingestion of any part of the comfrey plant due to its potential toxicity.
To pets
Comfrey also poses a risk to pets due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) content. If pets ingest comfrey, they can suffer from liver damage, as the PAs can cause a blockage in the small veins of the liver, leading to conditions like veno-occlusive disease. Symptoms of toxicity in pets can mimic those in humans, and may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, jaundice, and if the condition is severe, it may lead to liver failure. Pet owners should prevent their animals from ingesting any part of the comfrey plant to avoid the risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Soil Improvement: Symphytum ibericum, commonly known as Caucasian comfrey, has deep roots which help to improve soil structure and enhance nutrient availability.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers of Caucasian comfrey attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are essential for the health of the ecosystem.
- Ornamental Value: With its lush green foliage and clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers, it can be a visually appealing addition to gardens.
- Erosion Control: The extensive root system of the plant helps to hold soil in place, reducing erosion on slopes and banks.
- Companion Planting: When planted alongside vegetables in a garden, it can help to increase the overall yield by attracting beneficial insects and pollinators.
- Green Manure: Caucasian comfrey can be cut and left on the ground, where it decomposes to release nutrients back into the soil, acting as a green manure.
- Mulching Material: Its large leaves can be used as mulch, suppressing weeds and conserving soil moisture.
Medical Properties- Wound healing: Symphytum ibericum, commonly known as Caucasian comfrey, has been traditionally used topically to promote the healing of cuts, bruises, and bone fractures due to its allantoin content which is thought to stimulate cell growth and repair.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: It may reduce inflammation when applied to the skin, which can be beneficial in the treatment of sprains, strains, and other injuries.
- Pain relief: The plant is historically used in poultices or creams for its analgesic properties, providing pain relief for conditions like arthritis and other joint pains.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Symphytum ibericum, commonly known as Caucasian comfrey, can be used as a fertilizer due to its high levels of nitrogen and potassium.
- The leaves of Caucasian comfrey can be added to compost piles to accelerate decomposition and enrich the compost.
- Caucasian comfrey can be planted to prevent soil erosion because its deep roots help to stabilize the soil.
- The plant can also function as a natural mulch when its leaves are cut and left to decompose on the soil, suppressing weeds, and retaining soil moisture.
- Caucasian comfrey can be used in permaculture as a "chop and drop" plant, providing continuous mulching material throughout the growing season.
- It serves as a habitat for beneficial insects, particularly bees and other pollinators, which are attracted to its flowers.
- The deep-rooted nature of the plant can help in "mining" nutrients from the subsoil, bringing them up to the surface and making them available to other plants.
- Caucasian comfrey leaves can be used as a green layer in lasagna gardening, contributing to soil building and nutrient provision for other plants.
- It can be used in vegetable dyeing processes to produce various shades of green and brown on fabrics.
- Caucasian comfrey’s vigorous growth can be taken advantage of by planting it around the bases of fruit trees to suppress grass and other competitive weeds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant comfrey is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant comfrey is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Symphytum ibericum, commonly known as Caucasian comfrey, is often associated with healing due to its medicinal properties, particularly in aiding the healing of wounds, bruises, and broken bones.
- Protection: The robust nature of Caucasian comfrey and its historical use in folk remedies often symbolizes protection against ailments and negative influences.
- Regeneration: Given its ability to help regenerate cells and tissue, Caucasian comfrey is also symbolic of regeneration and renewal, both physically and symbolically in a person's life.
WaterThe common name for Symphytum ibericum is Caucasian comfrey. It prefers consistent moisture, so you should aim to water it deeply when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which might be about once a week, depending on local weather conditions. Generally, applying one to two gallons of water per plant every week should suffice, but always adjust based on rainfall and temperature, as too much water can lead to root rot. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently to maintain even soil moisture, while in cooler, rainy periods, you can water less.
LightFor Caucasian comfrey, partial shade to full sun is ideal. It thrives in light conditions where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid deep shade, as this can hinder the plant's growth and flowering potential.
TemperatureCaucasian comfrey is hardy and adapts to a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30°F and can handle summer heat well. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 50°F and 75°F.
PruningCaucasian comfrey should be pruned to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to maintain a tidy appearance. Pruning can also encourage bushier growth. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning once a year is generally sufficient, but if the plant becomes too large, a midsummer trim can be beneficial.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Caucasian comfrey (Symphytum ibericum) thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good soil mix for this plant would be composed of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite to improve drainage. This plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingCaucasian comfrey (Symphytum ibericum) does not require frequent repotting as it is quite content in its location if its growing conditions are met. However, you may repot it every 2-3 years to replenish its soil if you notice a decline in vigor or if the plant has become root-bound.
Humidity & MistingCaucasian comfrey (Symphytum ibericum) is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and typically does well in the natural humidity found outdoors. It does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area, soil moist, room temp.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, moist fertile soil, natural humidity.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSymphytum ibericum, commonly known as Iberian comfrey, begins its life as a seed, typically germinating in moist, well-drained soil in early spring as temperatures rise. After germination, seedlings emerge, establishing a root system while developing their first set of true leaves. As the plant matures, it develops a rosette of hairy leaves and a deep taproot, which helps it survive in periods of low water availability. Throughout the spring and into early summer, Iberian comfrey produces flowering stems, boasting clusters of bell-shaped flowers that range from blue to violet, attracting pollinators such as bees. After pollination, the flowers give way to small, four-parted nutlets containing seeds, which disperse by gravity and sometimes with the help of animals. The plant may die back to its root system in winter, especially in colder climates, to re-emerge the following spring, completing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Symphytum ibericum, commonly known as Caucasian comfrey, is by root division. This process is ideally done in early spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. To propagate by division, dig up an established comfrey plant, taking care to preserve as much of the root system as possible. Using a sharp knife, cut the plant’s rootball into smaller sections, ensuring each section has at least one growth bud. These sections can then be replanted into prepared soil, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well and keep them moist until they establish in their new locations. Through this straightforward technique, gardeners can quickly and efficiently propagate comfrey to spread this beneficial plant in their gardens.
