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| Identification |
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Genus
Symphytum
Species
officinale
Variety
Cultivar
Common names
comfrey
knitbone
Family
BORAGINACEAE
Specimen number
S12001
Data source
ColorNat p13;HtZn p172;MedPl p136;UnVeg p123
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| Life cycle |
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Life form
Terrestrial
Life cycle
Annual
Life span
1 year
Annual cycle
Not applicable
Stature
Flower
Growth form
Not applicable
Growth habit
Various
Overall height
2'
Overall spread
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| Climate |
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Sunshine
Full sun
Water
Optimal soil texture
Soil texture 23,26
Acceptable soil pH
Soil pH 06-07
USDA hardiness
USDA zones 05a-09b
AHS heat zones
Heat zones 09-04
Sunset climate zones
Not classified
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| Garden |
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Suitable for gardens
yes
Nursery
Unknown
Compost
no
Size at acquisition
Unknown
Garden location
Unknown
Garden notes
Despite its invasive tendency, this plant is still worthwhile to have. The leaves of Symphytum officinale have been used in traditional fabric dyeing. Brown is the most typical color produced by Knitbone (also known as comfrey). It is traditionally used to dye wool. (Iron is typically used as a mordant to fix the colors.) This plant can survive cold winters where the average annual low is -20� Fahrenheit. This species needs summer days with high heat. This plant likes full sun.
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| Special qualities |
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Tolerates drought
no
Tolerates high humidity
no
Tolerates seaside conditions
no
Insect resistant
no
Disease resistant
no
Deer resistant
no
Best uses
Symbiosis
Attracts butterflies
no
Attracts hummingbirds
no
Autumn foliage
no
Colorful berries
no
Desirable qualities
Other interest
Other interest color
Other interest period
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| Adverse factors |
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Common pests
Poisonous parts
Poisonous indications
Internal poison
no
Dermatologic poison
no
Livestock poison
no
Mechanical injury
no
Hay fever pollen
Hay fever season
Adverse qualities
Invasive
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| Herbal medicine |
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Medicinal properties
demulcent
astringent
anti-inflammatory
vulnerary
heals bones
Medicinal parts
Root
Aerial parts
Has medicinal uses
yes
Do not self-administer
yes
Do no use if pregnant
no
Legally restricted
yes
Toxicity precautions
Medicinal notes
It is spinach-like with a hint of cucumber. Some of the vitamins and minerals found in Symphytum officinale include: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and calcium. See the full list of nutritional values for more. Knitbone (sometimes called comfrey) is most frequently used cooked, frozen or fresh. This plant has herbal applications as a demulcent, as an astringent, as an anti-inflammatory and as a vulnerary. See the medicinal properties section for even more traditional herbal uses. This species is only to be administered with proper professional knowledge. This plant is not permitted in some countries. The root and the aerial parts are used in herbal preparations.
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| Traditional uses |
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Parts used
Traditional uses
Contemporary uses
Fragrance
Fragrance parts
Fragrance intensity
Fragrance category
Dye parts
Leaves
Dye color
brown
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| Cultivation |
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Propagule
Seed
Pollination method
Planting style
Bush
Crop spacing
1'
Row spacing
1'
Cold frame
Planting period
Apr 01 - Apr 30
Harvesting period
Frost tolerance
Partially hardy
Heat requirement
Warm
Fertilizer
Low nitrogen
Time to harvest
throughout summer
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| Nutrition |
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Is edible
yes
Culinary uses
Fresh
Frozen
Cooked
Nutritional value
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Calcium
Potassium
Phosphorus
Cobalamine
Protein
Edible parts
Leaves
Description of edible parts
Flavor / texture
spinach-like with a hint of cucumber
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| Horticulture |
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Horticulture notes
April is normally the best time to begin planting. Typical crop spacing is 1'. Provide 1' spacing between rows. It requires warm days for good production. Low nitrogen is required for optimal growth. The best harvesting period is throughout summer. Propagation of Symphytum officinale can be achieved by seed.
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| Herbarium |
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Tag needs printing
no
Collection notes
Symphytum officinale has an annual life cycle. Leaves: Knitbone (locally known in some parts as comfrey) has coarse, hairy oval leaves. Flowers: This plant has nodding tubular flower clusters. This long flowering plant is in bloom from April through October. Flowers are often found in such colors as blue, white or purple.
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