Russian Comfrey
This comfrey is higher in the pyrrolizidine alkaloids than Symphytum officinale
The most commonly used species is Russian comfrey Symphytum × uplandicum, which is a cross or hybrid of Symphytum officinale (common comfrey) and Symphytum asperum (rough comfrey).
Symphytum × uplandicum, commonly known as Russian comfrey or Bocking 14 comfrey, is a hybrid plant .This perennial herbaceous plant is a cross between Symphytum officinale and Symphytum asperum, resulting in a unique and versatile species with a wide range of uses and benefits.
Origins and Characteristics
The origins of Symphytum × uplandicum can be traced back to the work of Lawrence D. Hills, the founder of the Henry Doubleday Research Association (now known as Garden Organic) in the United Kingdom. In the 1950s, Hills developed the Bocking 14 cultivar through selective breeding to create a sterile hybrid that would not spread through seeds, making it a more manageable and non-invasive option for gardeners.
This hybrid plant exhibits robust growth, with large, hairy leaves and clusters of bell-shaped flowers that range in color from pink to purple. It is known for its deep root system, which can reach depths of up to 10 feet, allowing it to access nutrients and moisture from the soil that other plants may not reach. Symphytum × uplandicum is a hardy plant that thrives in a variety of soil types and can tolerate both sun and partial shade, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.
Medicinal and Herbal Uses
One of the most well-known aspects of Symphytum × uplandicum is its medicinal and herbal properties. The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine for its purported healing and therapeutic effects. Comfrey, in general, has been used topically to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. The presence of allantoin, a compound found in comfrey plants, is believed to contribute to these healing properties.
In herbal medicine, Symphytum × uplandicum is often used to create salves, poultices, and creams for treating bruises, sprains, strains, and other musculoskeletal injuries. The plant's anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it a popular choice for addressing joint pain, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. However, it is important to note that internal use of comfrey products is not recommended due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic to the liver.
Garden and Permaculture Benefits
Beyond its medicinal uses, Symphytum × uplandicum offers a range of benefits for gardeners and permaculture enthusiasts. The plant's deep roots help break up compacted soil, improve soil structure, and enhance nutrient uptake for surrounding plants. As a dynamic accumulator, comfrey absorbs nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, and calcium from the soil and stores them in its leaves, which can be harvested and used as a nutrient-rich mulch or compost.
In permaculture systems, Symphytum × uplandicum is often planted as a living mulch or as a companion plant to fruit trees and other crops. Its ability to attract beneficial insects and pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, makes it a valuable addition to diverse and resilient ecosystems. Additionally, the plant's rapid growth and high biomass production make it an excellent candidate for chop-and-drop mulching, where the aboveground parts are cut and left to decompose, enriching the soil with organic matter.