When it hail to tell apart between comfrey and borage , there are a few central characteristics that can help you identify each industrial plant . While both plants have beautiful prime , their shapes and colors are distinct enough to put them aside .

1 . Flower Appearance : Comfrey typically has white or pinkish - purple flower that advert in clustering . These flowers are tubular or bell shape - determine , creating an graceful and touchy appearance . On the other hand , borage flowers are whizz - shaped and commonly come in shade of purpleness or bluish . The vivacious color and unique shape of Borago officinalis flowers make them stand up out in any garden .

2 . Growth Habit and Size : Comfrey is a repeated herbaceous plant that grows in a clop riding habit . It can reach a elevation of about 2 - 3 feet and has magnanimous , coarse parting that are rough to the jot . The leaves of comfrey are oblong and point to a point . Borage , on the other hired hand , is an annual herb that grows in an upright manner . It can maturate up to 2 base improbable and has hairy leaves that are grating to the touch . The leaf of borage are encompassing and more heart - shaped compared to comfrey .

3 . Leaf Texture and Color : The leave-taking of comfrey have a harsh texture , almost like sandpaper , due to petite hair on the surface . They are ordinarily deep unripened in color . In direct contrast , borage folio are also rough to the touch but have a more hairy texture . The farewell of borage are a brighter green color , and the hair’s-breadth on them can give them a silvery appearance .

4 . Medicinal and Culinary Uses : Both comfrey and borage have been used for their medicinal and culinary properties . Comfrey is know for its healing properties and has been traditionally used to treat wounding and encourage osseous tissue health . On the other hand , tailwort is often used in cooking , peculiarly in salads , and its flowers are sometimes used as a garnish in drinks . Borage is also have intercourse for its high content of Vasco da Gamma - linolenic acid ( GLA ) , which has various health benefit .

5 . produce Conditions : Comfrey is a hardy plant that can tolerate a broad mountain chain of mature experimental condition . It prefer full sun to fond tad and thrives in moist , well - draining grime . Borage , on the other script , is also adaptable but prefers full sun and well - draining dirt . Both plant can self - source and spread quite prolifically if not bring off properly .

While comfrey and borage may have some similarities , their distinct flower shapes , colors , growth habit , and uses can help you say them apart . Whether you ’re drawn to the dangling bell - forge flowers of comfrey or the star - shaped vivacious blush of borage , both plants can add peach and time value to your garden .

Caroline Bates