Also known as Ārstniecības Tauksakne · Blackwort · Boneset
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Common comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a perennial herb known for its medicinal uses and as a dynamic accumulator of nutrients in the garden.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Thrives in sun but tolerates some shade, especially in hotter climates.
Regularly
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, not waterlogged. Reduce in winter.
Moist, well-drained soil
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Prefers moderate temperatures but is very cold-hardy and tolerates heat.
Heavy Feeder
75% intensity
Benefits from compost or well-rotted manure annually.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage. Ingestion can be toxic.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water common comfrey regularly, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter.
Adequate moisture promotes vigorous growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy or stressed, ensuring good biomass production for harvesting.
Prune common comfrey back hard after flowering to encourage a second flush of growth and prevent self-seeding. Remove dead or damaged foliage at any time.
Cutting the plant down to the ground in late autumn or early spring also revitalizes it for the coming season.
Common comfrey is easily propagated by division of its rootstock in early spring or autumn. It can also be grown from seed, though divisions are often preferred for true-to-type plants.
Simply cut a piece of root and plant it about 5 cm deep in moist soil.
Repotting is generally not necessary for established outdoor plants as comfrey is a vigorous perennial. If grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years in spring into a larger pot using a rich, well-draining potting mix to accommodate its extensive root system.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Common Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Boraginales |
| family | Boraginaceae |
| genus | Symphytum |
| species | Symphytum officinale |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
