Andersonglossum virginianum aka Wild Comfrey

Andersonglossum virginianum is a wildflower that lives for years. It belongs to the borage family, Boraginaceae. Its common names include wild comfrey and southern hound’s-tongue. It is native to central and eastern parts of the United States. North Carolina State Extension also notes its roots in the Southeast. The plant once had the name Cynoglossum virginianum. Its current genus name honors William R. Anderson, a botanist. The species name refers to Virginia.

Plants grow upright to 1–3 feet [0.30–0.91 metres] tall. They spread about 0.67–1 foot [0.20–0.30 metres]. They grow fast, but each plant needs little space. Green, hairy leaves form a basal rosette, a cluster near ground level. The leaves feel rough, with a soft, fuzzy coat. Each simple leaf has a smooth edge with no breaks. Leaves range from elliptical, or oval, to wider toward the tip. They grow 0.25–0.5 feet [0.08–0.15 metres] long. They are about 0.08–0.25 feet [0.03–0.08 metres] wide. The stems have no scent.

Flowers bloom in spring in groups called cymes on upright stems. They open pale blue, then turn violet as they age. Each small bloom has a trumpet shape. It has four or five petals joined together. Flowers span less than 0.08 feet [0.025 metres]. Both blooms and leaves add interest to the garden. The green fruit is a schizocarp, which splits into parts. The source also calls the fruit a nut. Its length and width each stay below 0.08 feet [0.025 metres]. Pollinators visit the plant.

Give it filtered light or part shade, not deep shade. It needs moist soil with humus that drains well. Do not let the soil dry out. It can also grow in clay and shallow, rocky ground. Acid to neutral soil suits it. North Carolina State Extension lists USDA zones 5a through 9b. You can grow it from seed. Plants can self-sow where the site meets their needs.

Use it in woodland borders or shaded native gardens. Its small spread suits tight spaces and groups of plants. It can serve as ground cover or join cottage gardens. Its flowers suit gardens planned for pollinators. North Carolina State Extension says it needs little care. The same source reports no major pest or disease concerns. The supplied evidence does not show edible uses. It also does not establish whether the plant is toxic.