I'm looking for native plant alternatives to comfrey for my backyard orchard. I've read about comfrey's amazing benefits, like its deep root system that brings up essential minerals and its ability to suppress grass growth. However, since comfrey is invasive in the eastern US and my property borders a national park, I want to make sure whatever I plant is native to the area. I'm also planning to add a meadow of wildflowers around the orchard, but I'm wondering if I'll miss out on comfrey's specific benefits. What native species would work well in central West Virginia (zone 6b) that could provide similar advantages?
2 Answers
I totally get your concerns about comfrey being invasive. In my opinion, you might want to try some tall grasses instead; they can be really effective. I use gamagrass down in Florida, but I know that’s not native to your area. You could also consider planting perennial wildflowers with deep roots. They can improve your soil structure and won't spread like comfrey might. Just steer clear of any woody plants if you're into that chop and drop method you mentioned.
It’s great that you’re thinking about the ecological impact! Since you’re looking for native alternatives, here are some plants that could work for you:
1. Wild Ginger: It has deep roots that help improve soil structure and can effectively suppress weeds.
2. Goldenrod: Also benefits soil health and attracts a bunch of pollinators.
3. Milkweed: Fantastic for supporting monarch butterflies while improving your soil.
4. Joe-Pye Weed: Offers a habitat for beneficial insects and helps with soil health.
5. Culver's Root: It's excellent for stabilizing soil and attracting those pollinators, too.
These will definitely help enhance biodiversity in your orchard!