One plant that is usually mistaken for comfrey is Foxglove ( Digitalis purpurea ) . These two plants can be easily put off , particularly in the other spring when their young leaves appear very similar . However , there are some cardinal features that can help with designation .
first off , permit ’s take a closer look at comfrey . The leaves of comfrey have legato , uninterrupted edge . They are typically orotund and elongate , resemble a pointy oval shape . The open of the leaves may have a slightly furrow appearance . One of import feature of comfrey leaves is that they have sparse , but bristly whisker . These hairs can give the leaves a rough texture when touched .
Now , let ’s liken this to Foxglove . Foxglove leaves also start off as young , similar - looking leaf in the former leaping . However , as they mature , they develop a distinct form that is different from comfrey . Foxglove leave are more lancelike in figure , signify they are narrow and point to a point at the tip . Unlike comfrey , the edges of Foxglove leaves are deep serrated , with pronounced dentition along the margins . Foxglove leaves have a smoother texture compare to comfrey , lacking the briery hairs .
In terms of overall appearance , comfrey plants tend to be shorter and bushier , with a clopping habit . They produce clusters of Alexander Graham Bell - shaped flowers that can range in color from ashen to knock or purple . Foxglove , on the other hand , is typically taller and more vertical , often reaching heights of 3 to 5 foot . The flowers of Foxglove are distinctively tubular in form and can be various shade of pink , purple , white , or lily-livered .
When it do to tell apart between comfrey and Foxglove , it ’s important to closely watch over the farewell , paying attention to their shape , edges , and grain . If you ’re still uncertain , it can be helpful to confab a field guide or seek advice from a knowledgeable gardener or botanist .
In my own horticulture experience , I have encounter berth where comfrey and Foxglove were misguided for each other . It can be particularly challenging when the works are in their other ontogenesis stages and the leave-taking have n’t fully developed their distinctive machine characteristic . However , by cautiously examine the leave-taking and considering other factors such as industrial plant height and flower shape , it is usually possible to correctly key out the plant . Taking the clip to make a right identification is crucial , specially if you ’re planning to use comfrey for its medicinal or horticulture aim , as it has different attribute and employment compared to Foxglove .
To sum up , comfrey is often mistaken for Foxglove due to their similar - looking young leafage in early spring . However , by closely examine the leaves and considering other plant characteristic such as height and flower shape , it is possible to separate between the two . Being mindful of the key lineament of comfrey , such as its placid - edged leaves with sparse , bristly hairs , can help avoid muddiness with Foxglove .
Caroline Bates
