Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Symphytum officinale
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| Common Names: |
Knitbone, Boneset, Ass Ear
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| Key Name: |
Common Comfrey
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| Parts Used: |
Leaves, roots, flowers
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| Sister Plants: |
Symphytum x uplandicum, Borago officinalis, Pulmonaria officinalis
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| Comments: |
Perennial herb attractive to pollinators; thrives in moist, fertile soils
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Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Perennial (1-3 ft), erect bristly stem, large lance-shaped leaves, bell-shaped purple or blue flowers (0.5-1 in), blooming spring to summer
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| Stem: |
Erect, 1-3 ft, bristly, green
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| Leaves: |
Lance-shaped, 6-12 inches, bristly, dark green
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| Flowers: |
Bell-shaped, purple or blue, 0.5-1 in, in clusters, blooming May-July
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| Fruit: |
Small nutlets, 3-4 mm, glossy black
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| Taste: |
Mucilaginous (leaves), bitter (roots)
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| Odour: |
Mild, earthy scent from flowers
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| Root: |
Thick, blackish taproot, rich in nutrients
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| Image URL: |
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to Europe and Asia, naturalized in North America
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| Cultivation: |
Plant in full sun to partial shade, moist well-drained soil; propagate by root cuttings or division in spring; space 18-24 inches apart; water regularly
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| Harvest: |
Leaves/Roots: Spring to summer (May-July); Flowers: May-July
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Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Vulnerary, demulcent, astringent, anti-inflammatory
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| Medical Uses: |
Used for wound healing, bruises, sprains, fractures, inflammation, and digestive ulcers; roots for poultices, leaves for tea
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| Constituents: |
Allantoin, rosmarinic acid, mucilage, tannins
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| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (tincture)
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| Dosage: |
External: Poultice of fresh leaves; Internal: Infusion (use cautiously, 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water, rare)
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| Administration: |
Internal: Infusion (rare); External: Poultice or salve
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| Formulas: |
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| Contra Indications: |
May cause liver toxicity due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids; avoid internal use, especially long-term; consult healthcare provider
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| Preparation: |
Poultice: Crush fresh leaves; Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves 10 min (use sparingly)
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| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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| Veterinary: |
Used for wound healing or joint support in livestock
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
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| Pollinator: |
1
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| Pollen: |
Yes
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| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination
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| Nectar: |
Yes
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| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees, hoverflies; supports pollinator health
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Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Compost activator, ornamental, mulch
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| Culinary Uses: |
Young leaves cooked as greens (use sparingly due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids)
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| History: |
Used in European herbal medicine since ancient times for bone and wound healing
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| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS
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| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Symphytum+officinale
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| Share: |
Private
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