Family: Boraginaceae
northern wild comfrey
[Cynoglossum virginianum var. boreale L.]
Kitty Kohout
Hugh H. Iltis
Etymology: Cynoglossum: Greek for "dog's tongue"
Plants: erect, perennial, 16"-32" tall forb; stems unbranched; taprooted
Leaves: stem leaves stalkless and clasping; basal leaves elliptical to oblong and stalked
Flowers: blue to purple, 5-parted, 1/4"- 1/3" wide, oblong-funnel shape, lobes oblong and not overlapping; inflorescence usually 3 terminal clusters (racemes) maturing to 4"-8" long on a long, leafless stalk; blooms May-June
Fruits: nutlet evenly bristly on the outer, rounded surface; no edges
Habitat: woods, uplands
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, perennial, 16"-32" tall forb; stems unbranched; taprooted
Leaves: stem leaves stalkless and clasping; basal leaves elliptical to oblong and stalked
Flowers: blue to purple, 5-parted, 1/4"- 1/3" wide, oblong-funnel shape, lobes oblong and not overlapping; inflorescence usually 3 terminal clusters (racemes) maturing to 4"-8" long on a long, leafless stalk; blooms May-June
Fruits: nutlet evenly bristly on the outer, rounded surface; no edges
Habitat: woods, uplands
Conservation Status: Native
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 8 USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos
Hugh H. Iltis
