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Photograph of Russian comfrey
Photo: Wikipedia

Russian comfrey

Symphytum x uplandicum

  • Layer 4 · Herbaceous
  • Dynamic accumulator

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Russian comfrey is a vigorous, deep-rooted herbaceous perennial resulting from a natural Eurasian hybrid. In the food forest, it holds the prestigious role of a dynamic accumulator, extracting potassium and other minerals from the deeper layers of the soil. Its abundant leaves are repeatedly cut during the growing season to provide nutrient-rich mulch or liquid biofertiliser to adjacent fruit trees.

It is harvested now — July is one of the harvest months.

See which trees the russian comfrey grows well with

Pick the central tree on your land and see the full guild.

No account needed.

Needs

  • Water: Medium
  • Light: Partial shade
  • Size: Herbaceous plant up to 1.2 m
  • Mature diameter: 0.8 m
  • Soils: Clay, Loam, Sandy, Limestone
  • Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean, Mountain / cold

Calendar

  1. January
  2. February
  3. March — Planting
  4. April — Planting
  5. May — Harvest
  6. June — Harvest
  7. July — Harvest
  8. August — Harvest
  9. September — Harvest
  10. October — Planting
  11. November — Planting
  12. December
  • Harvest
  • Planting

Medicinal use: It is traditionally used externally as a healing agent and highly valued as a compost activator and potassium-rich fertiliser.

Where to buy

Grows well with

Central trees this plant has already been paired with.

Related plants

Other species in the same layer or with the same function.

It is harvested now — July is one of the harvest months.

See which trees the russian comfrey grows well with

Pick the central tree on your land and see the full guild.

No account needed.

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