Other Names: Abraham Isaac and Joseph, Blackwort, Boneset, Bruisewort, Church bells, Coffee flower, Consormal, Gooseberry pie, Gummy plant, Healing herb, Knitback, Knitbone, Pigweed, Salsify, Slippery root, Snake, Suckers, Sweet suckers, Wallwort.

Description
A hardy, bushy perennial with a height and spread of up to 4ft by 3ft (120cm by 90cm). The root is blacky-brown, thick and tapering with fleshy, whitish innards. The stem is rough, hairy and branching near the top. The leaves are bristly, long with an oval base which tapers to a point. Bell shaped flowers in drooping clusters appear from late spring. Varieties are:

S. officinale: white and pink flowers.
S. grandifolium: creamy-yellow flowers with red tipped buds, good for ground cover. Smaller, it grows to only 1ft high.
S. aspeum: bright blue/blue-mauve flowers. Many people consider this the most attractive of the three.

Cultivation

Site:	Prefers full sun to light shade. Plant singly or in small groups but be careful as it can be difficult get rid of once established. Prefers moisture retentive soil, especially if nitrogen-rich and neutral pH (neither alkaline nor acidic), though will grow in almost any.
Propagate:	Division. Take root offsets (root section with growing tip) any time except midwinter.
General Care:	Transplant 2ft (60cm) apart. For a good yield, manure in spring and in summer. Can cut back stems after flowering.
Harvest:	Pick leaves midsummer. Dig up root in late autumn/winter.

Preservation: Chop finely, clean and dry roots. Dry leaves/infuse in oil.

Warning:
Do not ingest too much of this herb. Use only on clean wounds. I've heard this herb is restricted in Australia and New Zealand. If anyone could confirm this It'd be much appreciated.