Warning

Seek medical attention if ingested.

Description

A coarse, vigorous, clumping, tuberous perennial herb covered with stiff hairs growing to 90cm tall and up to 50cm wide. Cultivated for culinary or medicinal use.

Flowers are mauve, purple or creamy yellow, bell-shaped and in clusters along one side of the flower stem, often drooping downwards.

Leaves are covered with stiff hairs, oval to lance-shaped, arising from a basal rosette, decreasing in size towards the top of the plant; larger leaves to 25cm long. The leaf base is tapered into the stem giving a winged appearance.

Toxicity

  • Potentially toxic

Symptoms

All parts of the plant are poisonous. Ingestion may cause delayed liver damage. Repeat exposure may lead to liver failure. Death has been reported. The stiff hairs on the leaves and stems can cause skin irritation.

Images

Comfrey herb
Photo by Lorna Ngugi
Comfrey plant with flower
Photo by Lorna Ngugi
Comfrey leaves
Photo by Lorna Ngugi

Details

Common name: Comfrey

Botanical nameSymphytum officinale

Family: Boraginaceae

General description: A coarse, vigorous, clumping, tuberous perennial herb covered with stiff hairs growing to 90cm tall and up to 50cm wide. Cultivated for culinary or medicinal use.

Flowers: Flowers are mauve, purple or creamy yellow, bell-shaped and in clusters along one side of the flower stem, often drooping downwards.

Leaves: Leaves are covered with stiff hairs, oval to lance-shaped, arising from a basal rosette, decreasing in size towards the top of the plant; larger leaves to 25cm long. The leaf base is tapered into the stem giving a winged appearance.

Fruit/Berries: The fruit is a shiny, smooth black nut to 6mm.

Last updated: November 2024