Comfrey
Study firstComfrey has bell-shaped flowers and also contains liver-toxic alkaloids.
Extra care needed
Borage.
Borago officinalis
Also found as Starflower
A bristly annual with bright blue star-shaped flowers that taste of cucumber.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can harm the liver. Avoid regular use of leaves, and avoid in pregnancy.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 18,895
- People who recorded it
- 12,168
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Mar–May, Jul
- Records span
- 1965–2026
| January | 362 |
|---|---|
| February | 929 |
| March | 2221 |
| April | 4311 |
| May | 2651 |
| June | 1770 |
| July | 2109 |
| August | 1388 |
| September | 917 |
| October | 714 |
| November | 445 |
| December | 321 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Stems and leaves covered in stiff, bristly hairs.
- 02
Bright blue five-pointed star flowers with a black cone of stamens.
- 03
Nodding flower clusters.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Foxglove
Toxic · do not eatFoxglove leaves are softer and grow in a rosette; highly toxic.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Native to the Mediterranean; naturalized from gardens widely.
Watch the plant stage
Flowers from spring to autumn.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Flower · Young leaf
Use flowers raw as garnish. Young leaves are cooked in small amounts.
Care for the patch
Self-seeds readily in gardens.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Borago officinalisBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Borago officinalisTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction