Comfrey is a perennial groundcover in the Boraginaceae (borage) family native to Europe. Often grown in borders or shade gardens due to its dense foliage and attractive spring flowers. It spreads by creeping rhizomes and forms an attractive groundcover. The roots have underground stems that form additional roots and shoots along their length. It is best grown in a location providing full sun to part shade and good drainage. A soil that is organically rich is an added boost. This flowers have both male and female organs that are pollinated by bees. Its seeds ripen from June through July. Called an accumulator, this plant gathers and stores nutrients from the soil that are in a more bioavailable form. It can then be used as a fertilizer when added to a compost pile. Converted to a tea-like liquid can also be used for feeding other plants. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease issues. Slugs and snails can be a minor problem. It spreads by rhizomes that can be aggressive. Attempting to dig plant up for transplanting or removal can leave some roots that will sprout new plants.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in. | Width: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Horizontal; Spreading
Texture
Coarse
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Ovate
Leaf feel
Rough
Leaf value
Fragrant; Showy
Leaf size
> 6 inches long
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Medium to dark green leaves that grow along the ground can grow up to 7" long while growing to only 2" on flowering stems. Its stiff hairs give the leaves a rough feel.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; White
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Cyme
Flower shape
Bell; Tubular
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
Flowers form as red-flushed buds and bloom in drooping clusters.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Caucasus and Europe
Wildlife value
It is pollinated by bumblebees, honey bees, and mason bees.
Although this plant contains small quantities of alkaloids that can cause liver damage over time, most individuals would have to consume large quantities of the plant in order for it to be harmful. Those with chronic liver issues should be aware of this issue. The alkaloids are at their highest in the roots and young leaves. As the leaves age, they no longer pose a risk, as older leaves lose their toxicity.