Symphytum grandiflorum is usually the first comfrey species to bloom in the UK, from March onwards. It can colonise large areas, to the exclusion of other plants.
Common names:
Spreading comfrey, creeping comfrey
Family:
Scientific name:
Symphytum grandiflorum
Main flower color:
Range:
Mostly in south and central England; an introduced species, from the Caucasus
Height:
Up to 30 cm
Habitat:
Woodland, grassland
Flowers:
In clusters, with hairy pedicels. Calyces are divided almost to the base into five narrow, blunt-tipped lobes. Corollas are creamy-white, widening above the calyx tip, opening to five small lobes. At the center are five white stamens around a longer white style, topped by a small yellowish stigma
Leaves:
Ovate, cordate at the base, with ciliate margins and prominent veins. Attached by winged stalks. On decumbent stems
Season:
March to May
Rarity:
★★★★★