Comfrey
Symphytum officinale
Also called Knitbone and Russian comfrey
Garden plant · Herbs, veg & fruitPLANT 'BOCKING 14' AND NOTHING ELSE. The species seeds itself everywhere and the taproot regrows from a scrap; the sterile cultivar gives you the same four cuts of feed with none of that.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 8 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Feed
- Not needed
- Humidity
- Average to high
- Hardiness
- Very hardy RHS H7, to -25°C
- Size
- 1.2 m tall · 1.2 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- Europe and temperate Asia
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
No animal-poison authority lists this plant. Flagged unsafe on a people-toxicity source, which is the cautious reading rather than a checked one.
PeopleHarmful if eaten
All parts, eaten repeatedly over time.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-04.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.