Comfrey Plant Roots

Comfrey plants are known for their distinctive appearance, with stout, flattened prickles covering their stems and leaves. Unlike other comfrey species, S. asperum does not have winged stems, and its upper leaves grow on very short stalks. This particular type of comfrey is often found in patches that have persisted after being introduced into cultivation.

One of the most striking features of comfrey plants are their flowers. These can range in color from dark purple to blue or pinkish, eventually turning a pink-blue hue. The main stem has narrow wings that end between the internodes, and the plant grows to be around four to six feet tall.

Comfrey is native to Europe and the eastern United States, where it can be found growing in moist grasslands and riverbanks. However, it is rare in the extreme south and has become a naturalized alien in many parts of northern Europe.

Another distinguishing feature of comfrey plants are their seeds, or nutlets, which are smooth and shining but rarely seen. The calyx segments are lance-shaped, and the anther (the yellow pollen-bearing part of the stamen) is about as wide as the filament on which it sits.

The flower color can vary widely, ranging from white or creamy yellow to rose, pink, or light to dark purple. The corolla lobes are curved backward, providing another diagnostic characteristic.

Finally, comfrey leaves are a distinctive feature of these plants. The middle and upper leaves grow without stems, but the point at which they attach to the stem extends downward to the stalk. The large leaves are broadly lance-shaped, making them easy to identify when seen in person.

Overall, understanding how to identify common comfrey (Symphytum officinale) can be helpful for gardeners, botanists, and anyone interested in learning more about these unique plants.

Comfrey plant roots