Comfrey

Species: Symphytum sp. 

History: Comfrey plants are native to various continents around the world including Europe, Asia, and North America. Common names such as boneset and knitbone and its genus name referencing the Greek 'symphis' meaning 'growing together of bones' indicates it may have been used medicinally for mending bones. Comfrey is now popular as a permaculture plant.

Why We Grow It: This classic permaculture plant grows incredibly deep tap roots, mining rich nutrients from deep below the soil surface. It's a living mulch that 'molts' 3-4 times each season. It's used in traditional medicine and creates a healthful compost tea full of calcium and potassium. It grows up to 70 cm tall, before molting down, and spreads slowly over the years.

Canadian Hardiness Zone: 4

Soil Preference: Prefers loam but adaptable to different soils

Growth Habits and Disease Resistance: 

Sun/Shade: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)

Pollination: Self-pollinating

Flowering Time: Late spring to early summer

Bloom Colour: Pinkish-white

Recommended Use: Compost tea, planting near trees to draw up nutrients in soil