Invasive Plant

Common comfrey

Symphytum officinale
Warning icon

Warning

Toxic to livestock and humans

About This Species

Herbaceous perennial native to Europe with white or purple flowers, large fuzzy leaves, that grows to a height of 1 m. Common comfrey is a known problem in the Peace River region. It is very difficult to remove due to its tendency to sprout whole plants from small root fragments.

How to Identify

This plant is quite tall with large, pointed oval leaves leaves. It ranges in height from 0.6 to 1 m tall. Flowers are drooping and hang like bluebells. Flowers range in color from white to light purple (and may be striped) and appear in the summer months.

Credit: Ohio State Weed Lab, Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

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INVASIVE SPECIES INFORMATION

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Take Action

Prevention is the best approach.

Plantwise

Plantwise

Learn about best practices

Prevention is the best approach. If you have an infestation of comfrey in your area, repeated mowing prior to flowering can help minimize the spread of this plant. Herbicides are also an option.

A few non-invasive alternatives to plant instead of Common comfrey include:

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