Lungwort Pulmonaria officinalis
ABOUT
The common name of Pulmonaria officinalis is Lungwort. The appearance of Lungwort is recognizable by its hairy, dark green leaves that often bear silver or white spots or blotches, giving them a unique mottled pattern. The plant's foliage is generally basal, with the leaves growing in a rosette close to the ground. It produces clusters of delicate flowers that change color as they mature, usually starting off as pink and transitioning to a blue or violet hue. The flowers have a tubular shape, with five petals and are favored by early spring pollinators like bees. Lungwort typically blooms in the spring, and its flowers stand atop slender, hairy stems that rise above the foliage. The overall impression of the plant is one of a lush, textured ground cover with a charming, speckled appearance and vibrant, jewel-toned blossoms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae.
Synonyms
Lungwort, Common Lungwort, Jerusalem Cowslip, Lady's Milk, Mary's Tears, Our Lady's Milk Drops, Spotted Dog, Soldiers and Sailors.
Common names
Pulmonaria vulgare, Pulmonaria saccharata.
ToxicityTo humans
Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is generally considered safe for human consumption and is not known to be toxic. It has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for various conditions, such as respiratory ailments. However, excessive consumption of any plant may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you suspect poisoning, please seek medical advice.
To pets
Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is not known to be toxic to pets. However, as with any non-familiar food, it can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by some animals. If your pet has eaten lungwort and is showing symptoms of distress, contact your veterinarian for advice.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Varies
Height
1 feet (0.3 meters)
Spread
1 feet (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Pulmonaria officinalis, commonly known as lungwort, is a source of nectar and pollen for bees and other insects early in the season.
- Garden Aesthetics: With its attractive foliage and flowers, lungwort adds beauty and variegated color to shade gardens.
- Ground Cover: Lungwort is excellent for ground covering in shaded areas, helping to suppress weeds.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, lungwort can be quite drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: It is generally easy to care for, with minimal requirements regarding fertilizer or pruning.
- Erosion Control: The plant's dense growth can help prevent soil erosion in shaded and woodland garden areas.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter for small wildlife and insects in a garden ecosystem.
- Companion Planting: Lungwort can be paired with other shade-loving plants to create visually appealing and diverse plant compositions.
Medical Properties- Respiratory Support: Traditional use of Pulmonaria officinalis, also known as lungwort, includes treating respiratory conditions such as coughs and bronchitis.
- Anti-inflammatory: Lungwort possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties which could potentially soothe irritation.
- Mucilage Content: The mucilage present in lungwort makes it a soothing agent for irritated mucous membranes.
- Demulcent: As a demulcent, it can relieve minor pain and inflammation of mucous membranes.
- Astringent: Lungwort's astringent properties have been traditionally used to treat diarrhea and similar gastrointestinal issues.
- Diuretic: It has been used to promote urinary tract function and could potentially ease the symptoms of urinary tract infections.
- Vulnerary: Known for its wound healing properties when applied topically.
- Antimicrobial: Contains compounds that are believed to be effective against certain bacteria and fungus.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pulmonaria officinalis, commonly known as lungwort, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yielding a range of colors from green to brown depending on the mordant used.
- The leaves of lungwort are edible when young and can be added to salads or cooked like spinach, offering a mild, slightly mucilaginous taste.
- Lungwort can be incorporated into a wildlife garden as the plant is attractive to bees and other pollinators, which are drawn to its early-spring flowers.
- As a decorative element, the spotted leaves of lungwort can be used to create a variegated texture in shade gardens or as ground cover under trees.
- Lungwort leaves can be used in the compost pile as a source of green matter, helping to add nutrients and improve the compost's structure.
- The plant is sometimes used in the practice of companion planting, believed to deter certain pests from more susceptible garden plants.
- Lungwort can be used in natural crafting, such as making botanical prints on paper or using the leaves to create patterns on clay objects.
- In historical clothing, the fiber from lungwort leaves was occasionally used during shortages of more traditional materials like wool or linen.
- Lungwort can serve as an indicator species for ancient woodlands, which helps conservationists identify and manage these ecologically important areas.
- The dried leaves of lungwort have been traditionally used to stuff small pillows or sachets, which were then placed in wardrobes to impart a mild, forest-like aroma to linens and clothes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLungwort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLungwort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: The species name "officinalis" is often attached to plants with a history of medicinal use. Pulmonaria officinalis, commonly known as Lungwort, is named for its lung-shaped leaves and has been historically used to treat pulmonary diseases, symbolizing healing and health.
- Protection: In old herbals, Lungwort was believed to protect individuals from evil spirits and negative influences, due to its association with the lungs, which are vital for life.
- Honesty: Lungwort has a speckled pattern on its leaves, which changes over time. This transformation is often seen as a symbol of honesty and truth gradually coming to light.
- Perseverance: Lungwort is an early bloomer, often flowering in cold spring weather, which can symbolize resilience and the ability to thrive in adverse conditions.
WaterLungwort should be watered regularly to maintain even soil moisture, especially during dry spells. An average watering schedule could be once a week, providing about an inch of water each time, which equates to roughly 0.6 gallons for a small plant. Over-watering should be avoided, as Lungwort does not like waterlogged roots. During the growing season in spring and summer, monitor the soil moisture level more frequently and adjust watering accordingly.
LightLungwort flourishes in shaded to partially shaded areas and should be protected from harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. The ideal location for Lungwort is dappled shade under trees or on the north side of buildings where they can receive bright but indirect light.
TemperatureLungwort is hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range, thriving best in a garden where the temperature stays between 50°F and 70°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to -20°F and is suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8.
PruningPruning Lungwort is important to maintain plant health and appearance. Remove spent flower stems after blooming to encourage a second flush of leaves. Pruning can be done in late fall or early spring, cutting back to just above ground level to allow for new growth. This is typically done annually.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLungwort prefers a soil mix rich in organic matter with good drainage. A mix of garden soil, compost, and leaf mold or peat works well. The ideal soil pH for Lungwort is between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingLungwort, commonly known as Lungwort, should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.
Humidity & MistingLungwort thrives in environments with high humidity, often preferring levels above 50%. They do well in naturally humid outdoor settings or in moist woodland gardens.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Lungwort in shade, keep soil moist, ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Lungwort in shaded area with moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleLungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) begins its life when seeds are dispersed from the parent plant, which then germinate in moist, semi-shaded soil in early spring. Germination leads to the growth of a small rosette of basal leaves, covered in distinctive hairs and spots, which persist through the first year. In its second year, lungwort produces flowering stalks in late winter to early spring, adorned with clusters of pink-to-blue flowers attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers form small nutlet fruits, completing the sexual reproductive phase and releasing seeds for the next generation. Once established, lungwort enters a perennial phase, dying back to ground level each winter and reemerging from its rootstock the following spring. This cycle repeats, with the clumps slowly expanding in size over the years through vegetative growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Pulmonaria officinalis, commonly known as lungwort, is best propagated through division which is typically done in the spring. This involves carefully digging up an established clump of the plant and gently separating it into smaller pieces, each with a section of root and a few shoots. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into prepared soil, spaced at least a foot (about 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and air circulation. It's important to water the newly planted divisions well and maintain even moisture while they establish themselves. Through this method, lungwort can be effectively multiplied and will soon continue to grow and spread, creating new plants that are true to the parent in form and flower.
