4 PRICKLY COMFREY AS A FORAGE CROP. 



DESCRIPTION OF PRICKLY COMFREY. 



The seed stalks of prickly comfre}' reach a height of 2 to 4 feet and 

 are surrounded by numerous long, heavy, rough leaves of a dark- 

 green color somewhat mucilaginous in texture. (See fig. 1.) The 

 bright-blue flowers are borne in nodding, one-sided clusters (fig. 2, ..4). 

 The roots are large and fleshy and in loose soil will reach a depth of 



Fig. 1.— a plant of prickly coinfvey in hlooni. 



8 or 9 feet. The plant is hardy anil will endure consiik'rable cold or 

 drought, nuikhig a very rapid growth when conditions are favorrt])le. 



PROPAGATION OF THE PLANTS. 



Although the prickly comfrey produces large crops of seed, only a 

 small percentage of this seed will germinate, so it is generally found 

 more practicable tt) plant new fields hy division of the roots than by 



[Cir. 47] 



