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, 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, Crimean Comfrey, 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:
50 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Grassland, riverbanks, riversides, roadsides, waterside.
Bulbous Comfrey produces delicate, tubular, pale yellow flowers that hang in nodding clusters, typically appearing in late spring to early summer (usually May to June). Each flower is bell-shaped and slightly curved, resembling a slender thimble, with five small lobes at the tip. The blooms are arranged in coiled inflorescences known as scorpioid cymes, which gradually straighten as the flowers open. These flowers are especially attractive to bumblebees and other long-tongued pollinators, which are able to reach the nectar deep inside the corolla.
Fruit:
The fruit of Bulbous Comfrey is a group of four nutlets, typical of the Boraginaceae family. After flowering, the ovary divides into four one-seeded segments, each developing into a small, hard, dark brown or black nutlet. These nutlets are dispersed by gravity and potentially by animals brushing past, though the plant relies more on vegetative spread than seed dispersal for reproduction in the wild.
Leaves:
The leaves of Bulbous Comfrey are rough and bristly to the touch, with a lanceolate to ovate shape. Basal leaves are long-stalked and often broader, forming a rosette at the base, while the stem leaves are alternate and clasp the stem with their winged bases. A key identifying feature is the presence of a small bulb-like swelling (tuber) at the base of the stem, just under the soil surface—hence the name "bulbous" comfrey. This storage organ helps the plant survive dry or unfavorable periods.
Fragrance:
Bulbous Comfrey is not noted for having a strong or distinctive fragrance. The flowers may emit a faint, slightly sweet scent detectable to pollinators, but it is generally not noticeable to humans unless sniffed up close. The leaves and stems, when crushed, have a somewhat earthy or green scent due to their high mucilage and protein content, but again this is not a strong or aromatic plant overall.
Other Names:
Creeping Comfrey.
Frequency (UK):
Rarely seen
Summary
Symphytum bulbosum is a plant species in the Boraginaceae family. It is native to Europe, and is also known by the common names bulbous comfrey and creeping comfrey. It is a perennial herb with hairy stems and leaves, and produces small purple or white flowers in spring and summer. The plant is typically found in grassy or rocky areas, and is sometimes grown in gardens for its medicinal properties. The root and leaves of the plant have been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments, including wounds, bruises, and skin irritation. However, it is important to note that some species of comfrey, including Symphytum bulbosum, contain potentially toxic compounds and should not be ingested.
Blog
Bulbous Comfrey, also known as Symphytum bulbosum, is a unique and interesting plant species that has been known to herbalists for centuries. It is a herbaceous perennial that is native to Europe and Asia and is related to the more common Comfrey (Symphytum officinale). This plant is highly prized for its medicinal properties, which include the ability to heal wounds, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.
The plant can grow up to two feet tall, and it has large, broad leaves and bell-shaped, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom from May to June. The plant's most distinctive feature is its large, white bulbous roots, which are edible and have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.
One of the primary uses of Bulbous Comfrey is as a topical treatment for wounds and skin injuries. The plant's leaves contain allantoin, a substance that has been shown to promote the healing of skin and other tissues. When applied topically, the allantoin in Comfrey helps to reduce inflammation and improve circulation, which can speed up the healing process. Additionally, the plant's mucilage content makes it an effective moisturizer, which can help prevent dryness and cracking in the wounded area.
In addition to its use as a topical treatment, Bulbous Comfrey is also sometimes taken internally to treat a variety of conditions. For example, it has been used to treat digestive problems, such as indigestion and diarrhea, as well as respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis and asthma. Some people also use Comfrey to help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, making it a popular natural remedy for conditions like arthritis and rheumatism.
It is important to note, however, that while Bulbous Comfrey has many benefits, it can also be toxic if taken in large quantities. This is because the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be harmful to the liver and other organs. Therefore, it is not recommended to use Comfrey internally for an extended period of time, and it should never be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by children.
Bulbous Comfrey is a fascinating and versatile plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Whether used topically for wound care or taken internally for various health concerns, Comfrey is a natural remedy that is definitely worth exploring. However, as with any herb or supplement, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks and to consult with a healthcare professional before using it.
In traditional medicine, Bulbous Comfrey has also been used for various other purposes, such as:
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Bone healing: Comfrey has been traditionally used to help speed up the healing of broken bones. This is due to the presence of allantoin and other compounds that promote the growth of new tissues and reduce inflammation.
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Pain relief: The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of Comfrey make it a popular natural remedy for conditions like headaches, menstrual cramps, and toothaches.
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Digestive health: Comfrey has been used to help improve digestive health, as it is believed to soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation. It has also been used as a natural remedy for conditions like ulcers, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome.
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Respiratory health: Comfrey has been used for centuries to help treat respiratory conditions like bronchitis and asthma. It is believed to reduce inflammation in the airways and help relieve symptoms like cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
It is worth mentioning that despite its many benefits, the use of Bulbous Comfrey as a medicine is controversial. Some studies have shown that long-term use of Comfrey can lead to liver damage, and the plant is considered toxic by some health organizations. For this reason, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using Comfrey as a natural remedy, and to use it only under their guidance.
In modern times, Comfrey is often used in cosmetics and skincare products, due to its soothing and moisturizing properties.
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