Comfrey | The herb and marsh plant with blue flowers
Comfrey, also known as Symphytum officinale, is an herbaceous plant and a riparian/marsh plant with blue or purple flowers that grows in wetlands. It has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes because of the presence of allantoin, a substance that can promote the healing of wounds.
All about the comfrey
- Comfrey, a riparian plant for near the pond
- What does comfrey help against?
- Comfrey a big proliferator
- Alternatives to comfrey
Comfrey, a riparian plant for near the pond
Comfrey can be a nice addition as a riparian plant near the pond because of its green leaves and blue or purple flowers that attract butterflies and bees attract. It can also help stabilize the soil and reduce erosion along the bank. Be aware that comfrey can spread quickly, so keep an eye on it and prune if necessary.
Bank and marsh plants
Other riparian and marsh plants have the same filtering function in the pond as the comfrey. Are you now looking for an aquatic plant that resembles the comfrey in terms of healing function? Then take a look among our calamus. - Simon
Hardy riparian plants from our own nursery
What does comfrey help against?
Comfrey has long been used because of the presence of allantoin, a substance that can promote wound healing. It can help heal wounds, cuts and bruises, provide relief from arthritis and inflammatory conditions, improve bone health, relieve painful menstrual cramps, help relieve coughs and colds and provide relief from stomach ulcers and intestinal problems because of its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It is important to remember that comfrey is not suitable for internal use and it is always wise to consult a physician or qualified herbalist before using it for medicinal purposes.
Comfrey, a big proliferator
Comfrey is a fast-growing perennial aquatic plant that begins to grow in the spring and can reach a height of about 60-90 cm during the summer. The plant has a deep taproot and an extensive root system that can spread rapidly. Comfrey grows well in moist, nutritious soil and can cover a large area in a short time under favorable conditions. Because comfrey grows quickly, it can be a good choice for quickly covering bare soil or creating dense cover for pond plantsn around any type of pond. However, it is important to monitor and manage the growth of comfrey to prevent it from overgrowing other plants.
Alternatives to comfrey
Not everyone is keen on the fact that comfrey has strong proliferative properties. As an alternative, you could go for Calamus for example. Calamus has several advantages over comfrey as an aquatic and riparian plant. For example, calamus has a pleasant smell that can mask unpleasant odors in the pond, while comfrey is not known for its smell. Also, calamus has edible rhizomes and striking inflorescences, while comfrey does not have these properties. In addition, calamus traditionally has many uses in herbal medicine, while comfrey is best known for its medicinal properties in wound healing. So while both plants offer benefits for a pond environment, calamus may be a good choice for those who appreciate these specific properties. Calamus is a marsh plant which, like other marsh plants, filters and stabilizes the water in your pond, keeping it healthy and clear!
Hardy marsh plants from our own nursery
Frequently asked questions about comfrey
Comfrey normally grows best in moist, well-drained soil with adequate sunlight. However, it can also grow in shade if proper conditions are met and the soil is kept moist.
Comfrey can be toxic when ingested in large quantities because of the presence of certain substances in the plant. These substances can cause liver damage if ingested and are therefore considered potentially toxic. It is important to handle comfrey with caution and not take it without medical advice or professional guidance.

Simon van der Velde
Pond specialist and aquatic plant grower since 1986
Simon's vision is to let nature do its work in your pond. No need to buy all kinds of measuring equipment and water improvers. If the fish are swimming nicely and the plants are growing well, then the water in the pond is of good quality. With a good planting plan and the right approach, you can save a lot of money and maintenance, and ensure a clear, biologically balanced pond that becomes more beautiful every year.