Yellow Comfrey
symphytum tuberosum
Also known as: ["Yellow Comfrey","Golden Comfrey"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with tuberous roots, known for its yellow flowers and traditional medicinal uses.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Boraginales |
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Genus: | Symphytum |
| Botanical Name: | Symphytum tuberosum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden border or woodland edge
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, fertile, well-draining loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in late winter/early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead, diseased, or overcrowded stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun or dappled light); tolerates full sun with adequate moisture.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; in containers, move to shadier spots during peak heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; avoid hot afternoon sun; adjust placement based on season.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid waterlogging.
Soil
rich, moist, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; enrich soil with organic matter annually; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates cold down to -30°F (-34°C); prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F / 15–24°C).
Protect from extreme cold; ensure good air circulation in heat; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid root burn; apply before rainfall or watering; stop fertilizing in fall to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Division of tubers or root cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with at least one growth bud.
- Replant immediately at the same depth.
- For root cuttings, cut sections and plant horizontally in moist medium.
Best Time: Early spring before new growth emerges or late summer after flowering.
Environment
Cool, shaded environment with high humidity for root cuttings; division requires no special conditions.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix with added sand or perlite; can also be propagated in water for root cuttings.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; rooting hormone can aid root cuttings.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; root cuttings: roots in 3–4 weeks, mature plant in 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, gloves, trowel, rooting hormone (optional).
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; ensure each division has healthy roots and buds; keep cuttings consistently moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back spent flower stalks to the base; trim damaged leaves to encourage new growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, remove dead/damaged parts, cut cleanly, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil mix, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound or every 2–3 years to refresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil, inspect roots, position plant correctly, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without wetting foliage; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow leaves to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; incorporate sand or perlite for drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or browning of leaves in excessive heat; stunted growth or dieback in prolonged cold without protection.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt or turn yellow; roots can suffer damage if soil freezes repeatedly.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect container plants by moving them to sheltered locations; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering due to excessive heat and dry conditions.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer, dilute properly, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (April to August); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicSymphytum tuberosum is toxic to cats due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content, which can lead to severe liver damage and failure. Cats are particularly sensitive to these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Symphytum tuberosum are toxic to dogs, causing liver damage and potential failure. Prolonged ingestion can result in chronic liver conditions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicSymphytum tuberosum contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic and can cause liver damage upon ingestion. Chronic exposure may lead to severe liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Symphytum tuberosum toxic to humans?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic if ingested.
Q: Does Yellow Comfrey attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How difficult is it to care for Symphytum tuberosum?
A: It is relatively easy to care for with moderate maintenance needs.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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