Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Coarse-leaved perennial with deep taproot. A workhorse of permaculture gardens for compost activator, mulch, and chop-and-drop fertility.

Hardiness ratings

Comfrey hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 3–9 −40 °C to −1.1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 3–9 −34 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–5 −15 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Choose Bocking 14, a sterile cultivar — the fertile species spreads aggressively from seed and root fragments
  • Wilted leaves are an excellent potassium-rich mulch around tomatoes and fruit trees
  • Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before medicinal use.

Pet caution: Comfrey is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Comfrey against your zones

Reference

Comfrey on Wikipedia