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 back during the growing season to provide nutrient-rich mulch or liquid biofertiliser to adjacent fruit trees.

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

See which trees 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 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

January
February
March — Planting
April — Planting
May — Harvest
June — Harvest
July — Harvest
August — Harvest
September — Harvest
October — Planting
November — Planting
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.

Central trees worth considering

May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.