Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Symphytum officinale
|
| Common Names: |
Knitbone, Boneset, Ass Ear
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| Key Name: |
Common Comfrey
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| Parts Used: |
Leaves, roots, flowers
|
| Sister Plants: |
Symphytum x uplandicum, Borago officinalis, Pulmonaria officinalis
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| Comments: |
Perennial herb attractive to pollinators; thrives in moist, fertile soils
|
Taxonomy |
| Kingdom |
Viridiplantae |
Phylum |
Streptophyta |
| Class |
Magnoliopsida |
Order |
Boraginales |
| Family |
Boraginaceae |
Genus |
Symphytum |
| Species |
officinale |
NCBI Tax ID |
278672
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| Organism |
|
|
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
|
| Stem: |
Erect, 1-3 ft, bristly, green
|
| Leaves: |
Lance-shaped, 6-12 inches, bristly, dark green
|
| Flowers: |
Bell-shaped, purple or blue, 0.5-1 in, in clusters, blooming May-July
|
| Fruit: |
Small nutlets, 3-4 mm, glossy black
|
| Taste: |
Mucilaginous (Leaves), Bitter (roots)
|
| Odour: |
Mild, earthy scent from flowers
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| Root: |
Thick, blackish taproot, rich in nutrients
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| Image: |
(image unavailable)
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to Europe and Asia, naturalized in North America
|
| 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
|
| Harvest: |
Leaves/Roots: Spring to summer (May-July); flowers: May-July
|
Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Vulnerary, Demulcent, Astringent, Anti-inflammatory
|
| Medical Uses: |
Used for wound healing, Bruises, sprains, fractures, inflammation, and Digestive Ulcers; roots for poultices, Leaves for tea
|
| Constituents: |
Allantoin, rosmarinic acid, Mucilage (Mucilage)">Mucilage, Tannins
|
| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (Tincture)
|
| Dosage: |
External: Poultice of fresh Leaves; Internal: infusion (use cautiously, 1 tsp dried Leaves in hot water, rare)
|
| Administration: |
Internal: infusion (rare); External: Poultice or salve
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| Formulas: |
|
| Contra Indications: |
May cause Liver toxicity due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids; avoid internal use, especially long-term; consult healthcare provider
|
| Preparation: |
Poultice: Crush fresh Leaves; infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried Leaves 10 min (use sparingly)
|
| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
|
| Veterinary: |
Used for wound healing or joint support in livestock
|
| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
|
| Pollinator: |
1
|
| Pollen: |
Yes
|
| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination
|
| Nectar: |
Yes
|
| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees, hoverflies; supports pollinator health
|
Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Compost activator, ornamental, mulch
|
| 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
|
| 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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