What's eating my russian comfrey?

Russian Comfrey shares the excellent pest resistance of the Symphytum genus. Slugs are the main threat to spring shoots, and scarlet tiger moth caterpillars may graze the large leaves. Aphids are occasional visitors. Once the deep taproot is established the plant grows so vigorously that even slug damage has little lasting effect.

Holes and ragged margins on young leaves in spring; slime trails visible near the crown Apply coarse straw or grit mulch around crowns to deter slugs; use iron phosphate pellets; hand-pick at night

Visible chewing of leaf margins and surfaces by patterned caterpillars; leaves may be heavily eaten Tolerate if possible — a valued native moth; remove caterpillars by hand if defoliation is severe

Colonies on soft new growth; leaf curl and honeydew; rarely cause lasting harm to the vigorous plant Knock off with a water jet; natural predators attracted by comfrey flowers usually provide sufficient control