Comfrey: Symphytum officinale – L. : a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a fast rate. A versatile green manure.
- Uses:
- Green manure compost fertiliser, bio-mass production.
- Edible – with care of it’s toxic alkaloid which can have a cumulative effect upon the liver,
- Medicinal: useful in the external treatment of cuts, bruises, sprains, sores, eczema, varicose veins, broken bones. internally it is used in the treatment of a wide range of pulmonary complaints, internal bleeding.
- Habitats: Damp, often shady localities, in meadows, woods etc, especially near streams and rivers.
- Soil: Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. Grows well in heavy clay soils.
- Position: open sunny site in a deep rich soil if it is being grown for compost material.
- Propogation: species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.