Symphytum grandiflorum
Common names
dwarf comfrey, creeping comfrey
Biostatus
Exotic
Conservation status
Not applicable
Category
Vascular
Structural class
Herbs - Dicotyledons other than Composites
Simplified description
Perennial, evergreen; 30-45 cm tall; can form extensive ground cover by rhizomes; no tubers. Shade tolerant.
Leaves to 10 cm (lamina) + 6-8 cm petiole; upper surface bristly with anthrorse curved hairs on bulbous bases; rough to touch; lower leaf surface with few hairs - mostly on veins. Inflorescence stems muricate and some variously directed hairs.
Flower colours
Cream, White
Detailed description
Inflorescences on erect stems and curling over, especially in flowering state. Corolla c. 2 cm long, pink in bud but becoming white; proximal half tubular; distal half ± narrow campanulate. Style 2-2.3 cm long, white, often ± exserted from corolla.
Similar taxa
Other Symphytum species but characterised by its pale cream pendulous flowers and rhizomatous habit.
Habitat
Gardens under trees and shrubs
Detailed taxonomy
Genus
Family
Synonyms
Symphytum ibericum
Endemic family
No
Ecology
Flowering
September-November
Year naturalised
First recorded as an adventive plant in New Zealand in November 2014.
Origin
Eurasia
Reason for introduction
Ornamental
Tolerances
Tolerates heavy shade
Propagation technique
Easily grown by divided pieces in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in moist, organically rich soils in part shade, but has respectable drought tolerance and can do reasonably well in dryish, shady locations. Tolerates close to full shade; can spread aggressively by creeping rhizomes. Moreover, once planted, comfrey can be very difficult to dig out because any small section of root left behind can sprout a new plant.
Referencing and citations
Attribution
Fact sheet prepared for NZPCN by Colin Ogle on 7 December 2014.