Andersonglossum virginianum
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Cynoglossum virginianum
- Phonetic Spelling
- AN-der-sun-GLOS-sum vir-ji-nee-AY-num
- Description
-
Wild comfrey is an herbaceous perennial in the borage family (Boraginaceae) native to the eastern and southeastern USA. The genus name is a portmanteau of the surname of Michigan botanist William R. Anderson (1942–2013) and the Old-World genus Cynoglossum, in which this species was once misplaced. The species epithet is Latin for "Virginian."
Wild comfrey prefers dappled shade to partial shade, but not full shade, in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil that is not allowed to dry out. It will, however, tolerate clay or rocky soils. Propagate by seed. If conditions are right, it will self-sow.
This wildflower makes a good native analog for comfrey (Symphytum officinale) and grows in shady places that comfrey will not. It is a relative of Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) and grows well in similar conditions.
Use wild comfrey in shade gardens, native gardens, cottage gardens and children's gardens. It works in the border and as a ground cover. It is also an excellent choice for a pollinator garden.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Andersonglossum
- Species:
- virginianum
- Family:
- Boraginaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southeastern United States
- Wildlife Value:
- Attractive to pollinators.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Wildflower
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
-
-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
-
-
Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Green
- Fruit Type:
- Nut
- Schizocarp
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Trumpet
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- fused petals
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Pale bluish flowers are produced on erect stems. As the flowers age, they turn a violet color.
-
-
Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Rough
- Velvety
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Oblanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The fuzzy leaves are borne in a basal rosette.
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Small Space
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Children's Garden
- Cottage Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Pollinators
