One of the most useful plants in my garden that I do not grow to eat. I use this to:
feed to my goats;
for compost tea to fertilize my plants;
as a mulch because the large leaves smother small weeds;
and to add nutrients to compost and soil.

The flowers also attract a large number of bees.

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Comfrey is one of those ancient medicinal plants that is still used externally. It was introduced into North America by settlers, and now grows wild in the eastern part of the continent. It is also widely cultivated by herbalists.

It grows in wet places; it's usually about 3 feet high with oval dark green leaves on an erect hairy stem that branches at the top. The lower leaves are generally much longer than those at the top of the stem. It has purplish bell shaped flowers that bloom in clusters in summer.

It was used in ancient times for a number of problems, but contemporary usage by herbalists includes surface treatment for psoriasis and other skin problems by way of ointments made from the plant.

Comfrey leaves are in large part protein and are used often for fodder for livestock.

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Comfrey grows quite well in my zone 7 average garden soil and full sun; it can take some shade. Leaves are large, oval and fuzzy, growing in a mound. Flower stalks grow up but then may lay over, it isn't a stiff plant. The roots are black.

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