Variegated Comfrey Symphytum × uplandicum 'Variegatum' (v)

Names

• Family

  Boraginaceae.

• Synonyms

  Variegated Russian Comfrey, Ornamental Comfrey, Variegated Comfrey.

• Common names

  Symphytum peregrinum, Symphytum asperum × Symphytum officinale

Toxicity

• To humans

  Comfrey, the common name for Symphytum × uplandicum 'Variegatum', contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are known to be hepatotoxic to humans. If ingested in large quantities, these alkaloids can cause liver damage, manifesting as hepatic veno-occlusive disease. Symptoms of poisoning may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, liver failure. Chronic exposure can also increase the risk of liver cancer. It is important to note that simply touching the plant is not harmful; the risk arises from ingestion of the leaves or roots.

• To pets

  Comfrey, the common name for Symphytum × uplandicum 'Variegatum', is also toxic to pets due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These compounds can lead to liver damage in animals if ingested. Symptoms of comfrey poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, jaundice, or changes in liver function. In severe cases, ingestion may result in liver failure. As with humans, the primary risk is associated with ingestion rather than contact. Pet owners should prevent their animals from consuming any part of the plant.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Variegated

• Flower color

  Mixed

• Height

  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)

• Spread

  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  4-8

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: Symphytum × uplandicum 'Variegatum,' commonly known as variegated comfrey, adds visual interest to gardens with its variegated foliage, featuring green leaves edged with creamy white margins.
• Attracts Wildlife: Variegated comfrey is known to attract beneficial insects, including pollinators such as bees, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
• Soil Improvement: As a dynamic accumulator, this plant has deep roots that mine the soil for nutrients, potentially improving soil fertility when the leaves decompose.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, variegated comfrey is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
• Drought Tolerance: This plant is relatively drought-tolerant, which can be particularly useful in areas with water restrictions or for creating a low-water garden.
• Ground Cover: Due to its dense growth habit, variegated comfrey can act as an effective ground cover, suppressing weeds and reducing garden maintenance.
• Companion Planting: It can be used in companion planting to provide ground cover and bring in beneficial insects, supporting the health and productivity of surrounding plants.

Medical Properties

• Wound healing: Symphytum × uplandicum 'Variegatum', commonly known as variegated comfrey, has been traditionally used in topical applications to promote the healing of cuts, bruises, and broken bones.
• Anti-inflammatory: Compounds within variegated comfrey may provide anti-inflammatory benefits, potentially aiding in the reduction of swelling and pain in conditions such as sprains and arthritis.
• Pain relief: The plant is sometimes used in the form of poultices or creams for its analgesic properties, to alleviate pain in aching joints and muscles.
• Skin regeneration: Variegated comfrey contains allantoin, a compound known to speed up the natural replacement of body cells, which can be beneficial in skin care and regeneration.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Comfrey, the most common name for Symphytum × uplandicum 'Variegatum', is often used as a compost activator due to its high nitrogen content, which helps to accelerate the decomposition process.
• The plant can be used in liquid fertilizers or "comfrey tea," providing a nutrient-rich solution favored by organic gardeners to promote the growth of vegetables and fruits.
• Comfrey is known to attract beneficial insects like honeybees and bumblebees, making it a valuable addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.
• The deep root system of comfrey is effective in breaking up compacted soils, thereby improving soil structure and facilitating drainage.
• Comfrey leaves are sometimes used as a natural mulch, as they suppress weeds and gradually release nutrients into the soil as they decompose.
• The roots and foliage of comfrey can be used as a feedstock in biogas production systems, due to their rapid growth rate and high biomass yield.
• Dried comfrey leaves are used by some to create a green dye for textiles, although this is a less common practice.
• Plant fibers extracted from comfrey stems have been explored as an alternative material for making paper or cardboard.
• Due to its texture and non-toxicity, comfrey leaves have been used as a natural cleaning scrub for garden tools without the risk of corrosion.
• The plant can function as a living barrier or low hedge in gardens due to its dense foliage and quick growth, providing a degree of privacy and wind protection.

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 and Recovery: Symphytum × uplandicum 'Variegatum', commonly known as variegated comfrey, has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. It symbolizes healing because of its ability to aid in wound repair and reduce inflammation.
• Protection: Comfrey has also been associated with protection due to its sturdy nature. Gardeners might plant it to symbolize a desire to safeguard their garden and promote healthy growth of other plants nearby.
• Resilience and Adaptability: The ability of variegated comfrey to thrive in various soil conditions makes it symbolize resilience and adaptability, reminding us to persevere through challenges and adjust to new environments.