Common Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Found in disturbed areas, escaping from horticultural use. FloraQuest, phone app (app page) What its natural habitat tells you

—

Not native

Profile 76%

No photograph yet. Looking for an old drawing…

At a glance

JFMAMJJASOND

Not yet recorded · Leaves

Recorded in 10 Virginia counties.

Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there. All habitats

Ecological relationships

4CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including VA

Genus host records with ranges including VA · Symphytum

Acleris viburnana"North American" Schaller's Acleris
Lacinipolia renigeraBristly Ground Cat, Bristly Cutworm Moth, Kidney Spotted "Mamestra"
Vanessa carduiPainted Lady, Cosmopolite
Endothenia nubilana

—BeesSoutheastern regional records

—Specialist beesPollen specialists

—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim

Growing and identification

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope

Bloom · “June to August” · FloraQuest: Carolinas, Georgia (Southeastern Flora Team), phone app (app page) · Carolinas and Georgia
Flower color · “Pink, purple or white” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Hardiness · “Zones 4a–8b” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Height · “1–3 feet” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox (ranked first; Minnesota Wildflowers differs)
Life cycle · “Perennial” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Light · “Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day); Partial shade (direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Soil · “Moist; Occasionally dry” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Soil pH · “Acidic to alkaline” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Spread · “9 inches–2.5 feet” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox