Comfrey (Symphytum uplandicum)

Family: Boraginaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Symphytum uplandicum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant eating for most tastes. — Young leaves - cooked or raw.; The leaf is hairy and the texture is mucilaginous.; It may be full of minerals but it is not pleasant eating for most tastes.; It can be chopped up finely and added to salads, in this way the hairiness is not so obvious.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in a truly wild situation. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)