Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Boraginaceae (Borage)
Also in this family:
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Alkanet, Alpine Forget-me-not, Blue-eyed Mary, Borage, Bugloss, Bulbous Comfrey, Bur Forget-me-not, Caucasian Comfrey, Changing Forget-me-not, Common Comfrey, Common Fiddleneck, Common Gromwell, Common Lungwort, Corn Gromwell, Creeping Comfrey, Creeping Forget-me-not, Early Forget-me-not, False Alkanet, Field Forget-me-not, Garden Anchusa, German Madwort, Giant Viper's Bugloss, Green Alkanet, Green Houndstongue, Hidcote Blue Comfrey, Houndstongue, Mawson's Lungwort, Narrow-leaved Lungwort, Norfolk Comfrey, Oysterplant, Pale Forget-me-not, Purple Gromwell, Purple Viper's Bugloss, Red Lungwort, Rough Comfrey, Russian Comfrey, Scarce Fiddleneck, Siberian Bugloss, Slender Borage, Suffolk Lungwort, Tansy-leaved Phacelia, Tuberous Comfrey, Tufted Forget-me-not, Viper's Bugloss, Water Forget-me-not, White Comfrey, White Forget-me-not, Wood Forget-me-not, Yellow Alkanet
Maximum Size:
40 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Roadsides, woodland.
Crimean Comfrey bears beautiful bell-shaped flowers, typically bluish-purple to violet in colour, though they can sometimes fade to a paler hue as they age. The flowers are arranged in coiled cymes, characteristic of comfreys, and appear in mid to late spring (usually April to May). Each flower is tubular with five shallow lobes at the mouth, designed to attract pollinators such as bees, especially bumblebees, which can access the nectar deep within. Compared to common comfrey, the floral display is often more vivid and ornamental, contributing to its occasional use as a garden plant.
Fruit:
The fruits are small nutlets, grouped in fours, forming from the ovary after successful pollination. These nutlets are dark, hard, and angular, and while technically capable of seed dispersal, Symphytum tauricum more commonly spreads through its rootstock. Its fruit is typical of the Boraginaceae family and offers limited ecological interest beyond seed production, as vegetative propagation dominates.
Leaves:
The leaves of Crimean Comfrey are lanceolate to ovate and can reach substantial sizes, especially the basal leaves. They are softly hairy, giving them a somewhat velvety or bristly feel depending on age. One of the distinguishing features of S. tauricum is its generally less rough texture compared to other comfreys. The stem leaves are alternate and partially clasping, often forming broad wings along the stem. The foliage emerges early in the year and is robust, helping suppress weeds where the plant is established.
Fragrance:
Crimean Comfrey is not noted for having any significant fragrance. Its flowers may emit a faint, mildly sweet scent detectable mostly to pollinators, but it lacks the strong aroma found in many nectar-rich or aromatic herbs. The foliage has an earthy, somewhat grassy smell when crushed, typical of green, mucilage-rich plants but not especially pleasant or notable.
Other Names:
Crimson Comfrey.
Frequency (UK):
Rarely seen
Summary
Crimean Comfrey, Symphytum tauricum, is an endangered species of comfrey native to the Crimean peninsula. It is a perennial herb growing to a height of about 40 cm, with large oval leaves and white flowers. The plant grows in dry, rocky and sandy habitats and is threatened by overgrazing and habitat destruction. It is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List.
Blog
Crimean Comfrey, Symphytum tauricum, is a species of flowering plant native to the Crimean Peninsula. It is a member of the Boraginaceae family and is closely related to common comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Crimean comfrey is a perennial herb that grows up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall, with lance-shaped leaves and small, white, star-shaped flowers.
The plant has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including skin irritations, wounds, and digestive issues. It is also commonly used in herbal remedies to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
In folk medicine, Crimean comfrey is thought to have anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and anti-diabetic properties. It has also been used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
The plant is rich in a variety of compounds, including allantoin, rosmarinic acid, and various tannins, which are thought to be responsible for its medicinal properties. It is also rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc, which are important for overall health.
As a dietary supplement, Crimean comfrey is often used to promote digestive health, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health. It is also used to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema.
Overall, Crimean comfrey is an important medicinal plant with a long history of use. Its wide range of medicinal properties make it a valuable addition to any herbal remedy cabinet. If you are looking for an all-natural way to improve your health, consider giving Crimean comfrey a try!
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