Comfrey/Borage

[Eileandubher]

I'm a little confused- I think I have loads of Comfrey in the garden but someone mentioned it may be Borage. Can anyone tell me how I can tell them apart?

Eileandubher

[Nicos]

They are spelt differently!!!!
Ok ..sorry.. not so sure about the leaves , but borage has blue flowers and comfrey has purple... have a look on google images- may show you what you want

[Jaxom]

As of yet I do not have any comfrey but I understand that the leaves are covered in tiny prickles. does that help?
Jax

[Lesley Jay]

Borage is an annual and comfrey is the perrenial relative of comfrey.The active agents in borage are said to cleanse the blood and strengthen the heart. Comfrey when made into a compress is good for bruises, wounds and rheumatics. They both belong to the Boraginaceae family.

[Jaxom]

Here are some photos off the net.
Comfrey
http://www.lightmountainphotography....%20Comfrey.htm
http://houseofstrauss.co.uk/modules/...?articleid=314
Borage
http://houseofstrauss.co.uk/modules/...?articleid=310
http://www.thurbergulch.com/borage_officionalis.html
Hope this helps?
Jax

[Eileandubher]

Thanks to all who replied
Its Comfrey-what a boost!
Just as well as I put some leaves in my tatties last year!
Will be organised for cutting it back and making loads of general fertiliser and adding some to the compost this year.
May yer lums aye reek!
Eileandubher

[andrewo]

Comfrey is edible, where I gre up it was called 'knip bone' or 'knit bone'. When I was thirteen I twisted my ankle badly at a pipe works and my mum wrapped my ankle in the stuff, it brought out the bruising. Comfrey is versatile, heals, feeds and can be used as an insecticide (so I have been told), the flowers are lovely but boy does it spread. Borage flowers can be used in drinks and I have a perennial - just never dies.

[Jayneylass]

Borage is also known as starflower

and so is a boon for all us premenstral women. ANGRY, WHO ARE YOU CALLING ANGRY & PREMENSTRAL!!!!!?????

I am going to try growing some this year for cake & jelly decoration and for a cucumber flavour in summer cool drinks , but I'm also going to try and drink it as a warming drink too.