comfrey

Everyday

1. A tall wild plant with large hairy leaves and bell-shaped purple, pink or white flowers, growing in damp places by rivers and ditches. tree →
2. The leaves or root of this plant, used in the past as a herbal medicine for bruises and broken bones, and by gardeners to feed the soil. tree →

In the lessons

A river-bank plant: in The Wind in the Willows the Mole and the Rat pass purple loosestrife, willow-herb and comfrey along the river, and the names paint a summer English bank. Gardeners make «comfrey tea» as plant food. Its old name «knitbone» came from the belief it helped bones heal. Safety: comfrey should not be eaten; it can harm the liver.

Examples

• Comfrey grew thick along the edge of the stream. tree →
• Bees buzzed around the purple comfrey flowers. tree →
• Grandad soaks comfrey leaves in water to feed his tomatoes. tree →
• People once called comfrey «knitbone». tree →
• The Mole saw comfrey and willow-herb on the river bank. tree →
• Don't eat comfrey – it is not safe as food. tree →

Note

Said «KUM-free». Usually uncountable. Old herbal uses are history, not proven medicine; never eat wild plants without an adult who knows them.