Wild comfrey is an herbaceous perennial in the borage family (Boraginaceae) native to the eastern and southeastern USA. The genus name is a portmanteau of the surname of Michigan botanist William R. Anderson (1942–2013) and the Old-World genus Cynoglossum , in which this species was once misplaced. The species epithet is Latin for "Virginian." Wild comfrey prefers dappled shade to partial shade, but not full shade, in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil that is not allowed to dry out. It will, however, tolerate clay or rocky soils. Propagate by seed. If conditions are right, it will self-sow. This wildflower makes a good native analog for comfrey ( Symphytum officinale ) and grows in shady places that comfrey will not. It is a relative of Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) and grows well in similar conditions. Use wild comfrey in shade gardens, native gardens, cottage gardens and children's gardens. It works in the border and as a ground cover. It is also an excellent choice for a pollinator garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.