Common Comfrey
Symphytum officinale
- Native to:
- Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Krym, Netherlands, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine
Reinhold Möller Ermell
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Boraginaceae
- Genus:
- Symphytum
- Species:
- Symphytum officinale
- USDA Symbol:
- SYOF
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, pink, white
Host Plant for Caterpillars
kidney-spotted minor (Lacinipolia renigera)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Fuzzy-horned bumble (Bombus mixtus), Yellow head bumble bee (Bombus flavifrons)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moisture-retentive loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers damp meadows and riverbanks
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best after cold stratification; sow in fall or stratify for 4-8 weeks.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. If no germination in 3 months, try 4C 1-2 months, then 20C again.