Cynoglossum virginianum

The genus name for Wild Comfrey, Cynoglossum, can be translated as “dog’s tongue”. The name refers to the shape of the plant’s leaves, which are ovate to narrowly elliptical, smooth on the edges, and 2 to 8 inches long —just like a dog’s tongue! In fact, another common name for this native plant is Blue Houndstongue.

You will find wild comfrey growing in the forest, or along forest roads and paths, in late spring and early summer. It is a simple plant that begins life as a basal rosette of soft green, oval leaves. It soon puts up a tall stalk that rises above the lower leaves to a height of 2 feet or more. The stalk bears alternating leaves that are narrowly elliptic, with heart-shaped bases that clasp the stem. The stalk, leaves, and petioles are covered with bristly hairs.

At the top of the stalk is a coiled-up inflorescence. As it unwinds, flower buds develop. Each bud produces one small flower, blue to white in color, each with five fused petals that form a tube. The small mouth of the tube is crowned by a white ring.

These tiny flowers (less than 0.5 inches across) are not showy, and they open slowly over time. Consequently, the blooming period for wild comfrey can go unnoticed. If you do happen to find it in bloom, get close enough to observe the details. You’ll discover a strong resemblance between comfrey flowers and common, garden forget-me-nots. (They are in the same family.)

Later in the season, each flower will be replaced by a 4-sided, bristly seed pod. (See photos below.)

Although wild comfrey has several historic medicinal uses, the plant is considered toxic in large quantities and the fruits can cause skin irritation for some people. Use caution.

Also note: Despite very similar common names, Wild comfrey is not the same thing as Common comfrey. The latter is in a different genus (Symphytum officinale), but both are in the borage family.

Wild Comfrey

Flowering comfrey

Small colony of wild comfrey

Wild comfrey

Note the nutlets forming at the top of the stalk

Stalk leaves are alternate and clasping; all parts are hairy

Flowers give way to nutlets

Leaves are ovate to elliptical

Flowering comfrey

4-sided nutlets are covered in bristles

Wild Comfrey