Boraginaceae FAMILY

Symphytum × uplandicum

Edibility

3/5

Medicinal

5/5

Safety & Hazards

This plant contains small quantities of a toxic alkaloid which can have a cumulative effect upon the liver. Largest concentrations are found in the roots, leaves contain higher quantities of the alkaloid as they grow older and young leaves contain almost none. Most people would have to consume very large quantities of the plant in order to do any harm, though anyone with liver problems should obviously be more cautious. In general, the health-promoting properties of the plant probably far outweigh any possible disbenefits, especially if only the younger leaves are used.

Botanical Description

Symphytum × uplandicum is a herbaceous perennial plant with thickened roots; it can grow up to 120cm tall. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeA hybrid, Symphytum asperum x Symphytum officinale[ 200 Title The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. Publication Author Huxley. A. Publisher MacMillan Press Year 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5 Description Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed. ], possible native in the Caucasus and naturalized elsewhere

HabitatNot known in a truly wild situation.