Symphytum officinale

Smeerwortel / Comfrey

Boraginaceae (Ruwbladigenfamilie)

Asia (whole), Asia (central), Europe (whole)

Edible plant part (1)

Stems
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Comfrey belongs to the herbacious layer in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is an early species. The growth rate is fast. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 1.2 to 1 meter and a width of 0.6 to 1 meter.
This species forms a fibrous root system. This species is slightly spreading in the food forest. Comfrey is no nitrogen fixer.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: Matt Lavin, https://www.flickr.com/photos/plant_diversity/4970134435/

foto: Matt Lavin, https://www.flickr.com/photos/plant_diversity/4970134435/

foto: Matt Lavin, https://www.flickr.com/photos/plant_diversity/4970747322

foto: Franz Xaver, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Symphytum_officinale_1.jpg

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Soil texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

slightly acid

neutral

alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor