(Symphytum) This velvet-leafed herb is often used as a medicinal in topical skin ointments and salves. Many gardeners will also tell you that the leaves are a welcome addition to compost piles or for soaking to make a liquid fertilizer as comfrey’s deep roots “mine” nutrients from the soil. Still others choose to clip stems & leaves (allowing them to wilt so that they can’t re-root) and then use them as a natural mulch in the garden.
Comfrey is a perennial plant in our area. It will grow just about anywhere– full or part sun. It prefers rich, loamy or sandy soil but will adapt to most soil types. Tip: Site it wisely, once planted– it can live for many years and isn’t easy to remove as any little piece of root that remains will sprout a new plant.