The botanical nomenclature of three British Sympbytum species of medicinal interest is reviewed. The histological features of the epidermises of the leaves of S. officinale L., S. tuberosum L. and S. × uplandicum Nym. are compared. Leaves of S. officinale and S. × uplandicum cannot be distinguished by histological characters, being accurately identified only by the nature of the decurrent petiole when still attached to the stem. Leaves of S. tuberosum may be distinguished from those of the other two species in whole form, due to their smaller size and softer texture; microscopically the epidermal cells of the midrib and petiole may possess a striated cuticle or beaded anticlinal walls. Für Symphytum officinale, S. tuberosum und S. × uplandicum werden Fragen der botanischen Nomenklatur diskutiert und morphologische und anatomische Merkmale zur Unterscheidung angegeben.