Andersonglossum virginianum

Andersonglossum virginianum, known as wild comfrey, is a flowering plant in the borage family native to North America. It is also sometimes called blue houndstongue.
Formerly placed in the genus "Cynoglossum", it was transferred to the genus "Andersonglossum" in 2015.
Distribution.
"Andersonglossum virginianum" is native to the Eastern United States and across Canada. It densely populates the central and southeastern parts of the U.S. and is often found in open uplands, such as in southern New England, from New York to Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and from the south to Florida. A closely related species, "Andersonglossum boreale" is disappearing from the southern part of its range in the United States.
Habitat and ecology.
Studies indicate that some parts of the life cycle of "A. virginianum" are dependent on humidity, low temperature, and low competition. Therefore, a forest is a good place in which this species can be found.
Flowering and seedling require increased light and a richer soil.
This is often achieved by random fires. This has not been researched but it can be said because other understory herbs require the same conditions. However, if there is too much light, then woody species may develop destroying the habitat and there is possibility for smaller herbs to take place.
"Andersonglossum virginianum" has adapted a unique ability to survive fire because, as mentioned above, it requires fire to eliminate competition and increase light to help nurture itself. This also has not been proven by research but history suggests that there may be a possibility that this species is adapted to occasional fires. This can be said due to the frequent fires the forest has gone through in which this species is found.
Description.
"Andersonglossum virginianum" is an erect, unbranched perennial with rough fine hair on its leaves and stem. Their leaves are simple, entire, and have an alternate pattern. The leaves are denser at the lower end of the stem and they get smaller going up the stem. It has two to six racemes. The flowers have five deep lobes that are connected to a superior ovary which in turn is connected to the style. The flowers have rounded, light blue corollas that overlap each other. The corollas alternate with stamen with anthers.
Unlike "C. virginianum", "C. virginianum" var. "boreale" has petioles on its cauline leaves and its corolla lobes are not rounded and do not overlap. It, in general, is a smaller plant.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, hepatoxins capable of affecting grazing animals and humans, are synthesized by many borages including "Andersonglossum officinale". Presumably this provides some protection against generalist herbivores. Botanists suspect that "C. virginianum" may also contain some of these alkaloids.
Reproduction.
"Andersonglossum virginianum" forms from a taproot every spring around May. Plants that do not flower grow more leaves in a rosette. However, the flowering plants grow from the center of the rosette. It is a monoecious plant which is self-compatible. It flowers from May to June and produces fruits from July to August. The flowers produce four grayish brown seeds that adhere to animals.
Medicinal uses.
Herbalists from the nineteenth-century have suggested that "C. virginianum" may possibly be a replacement or a substitute for "Symphytum officinale" (also known as Comfrey or Old West Comfrey.) For a long time, "C. virginianum" has been used to help treat wounds and to flush out any internal digestive disorders and respiratory infections. It also acts as a sedative medication.
Because of one of the active substances in the plant, large doses of it should not be taken because it can cause liver problems.