Plant Details

Symphytum x upladicum

Blue Comfrey, Russian comfrey

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Symphytum x upladicum.

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Common names

5 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Blue Comfrey
  • Russian comfrey
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Bastaardsmeerwortel
  • Russische smeerwortel
French
  • Consoude de Russie
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Symphytum x upladicum
Accepted name (Kew): Symphytum × uplandicum View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited taxonomic treatment. Botanical references may use alternative names.

Sources [1]
Botanical family: Boraginaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Symphytum (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Blue Comfrey, Russian comfrey

Plant characteristics

Layer: Herbaceous, Ground cover
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 0.60 m
Growth rate: Fast
Foliage: None

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 4-8
Soil moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Leaves, Gum, Tea
Edibility rating:
(3)
Medicinal rating:
(4)
Functions:
Biomass production, Ground cover, Gum

Description

Young leaves can be eaten both cooked and raw, although they have a hairy texture and can be slimy. They are rich in minerals, but due to their specific taste, they are not suitable for everyone's personal preference. The leaves can be finely chopped and added to salads to make the hairs less noticeable. Young shoots can serve as a substitute for asparagus. The bleached stems of the plant are also used. Older leaves can be dried and later used as tea. The peeled roots can be cut and added to soups. Tea can be made from both the dried leaves and the roots. Furthermore, the roasted roots are used together with dandelion and chicory roots to make coffee.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/05
Harvest ends: 31/10

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: TaxonomyBotanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: WCVP version 16, wcvp_names.csv: Symphytum × uplandicum Nyman, name ID 2475726, row 206557
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 205938; name ID 2473193; Symphytum Tourn. ex L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.