Symphytum tuberosum — a medium houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Symphytum tuberosum

Symphytum Tuberosum

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Photo · (c) Marco Vicariotto, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), uploaded by Marco Vicariotto COURTESY INATURALIST
ON THIS PLANT

Symphytum tuberosum, commonly known as tuberous comfrey, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. Native to Europe and western Asia, it can grow up to 60 cm in height. The plant features a thick, fleshy root system that produces small, potato-like tubers.

The leaves of Symphytum tuberosum are lance-shaped, hairy, and have a rough texture. The bell-shaped flowers, which bloom from May to July, can be white or pale pink.

Tuberous comfrey has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries due to its high content of allantoin, a compound that promotes cell growth and regeneration. It is often applied topically in the form of ointments or poultices to treat wounds, bruises, sprains, and arthritis pain.

The plant prefers moist soil conditions but can tolerate some drought once established. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is better suited for cooler temperatures.

Although Symphytum tuberosum is not commonly grown commercially, it can be found in some specialty nurseries or cultivated from seeds in home gardens as an ornamental herb with medicinal properties. However, it is important to note that consumption of this plant should only be done under proper medical supervision due to its potential toxicity when ingested by humans or animals.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Symphytum
Family
Boraginaceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
46 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
46 cm to 61 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow, White
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Native Area
Turkey, Austria, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Greece, Ukraine, Belarus, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Albania, United Kingdom, Hungary, France
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Tuberous Comfrey en Žuti gavez en Tătăneasă
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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