Lungwort 'Ankum' Pulmonaria longifolia 'Ankum'

Names

• Family

  Boraginaceae.

• Synonyms

  Long-leaf Lungwort, Narrow-leaved Lungwort, Ribbon Lungwort, Long-leafed Lungwort.

• Common names

  Pulmonaria longifolia

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Semi-deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Mixed

• Flower color

  Mixed

• Height

  1 foot (30 cm)

• Spread

  1 foot 4 inches (40 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  4

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: Pulmonaria longifolia 'Ankum', commonly known as Lungwort, is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are crucial for pollination.
• Shade Tolerance: Lungwort thrives in shaded areas, making it ideal for planting under trees or in parts of the garden that receive less sunlight.
• Spring Bloomer: Lungwort produces colorful blooms early in the spring, adding vibrant hues to the garden at a time when many other plants have not yet started to flower.
• Ground Cover: With its dense foliage, Lungwort serves as an excellent ground cover, preventing weed growth and helping to retain soil moisture.
• Drought Resistance: Once established, Lungwort is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering in well-drained soils.
• Decorative Leaves: Lungwort has distinctly spotted or mottled leaves that are decorative even when the plant is not in bloom, providing visual interest throughout the growing season.
• Low Maintenance: This plant is generally low maintenance, requiring little care once it has been properly established in suitable conditions.
• Wildlife Habitat: Lungwort can provide shelter and habitat for small wildlife, such as insects and birds, contributing to the biodiversity of the garden ecosystem.
• Seasonal Interest: With its changing leaf colors and patterns, Lungwort adds seasonal interest to the garden, with foliage that often turns more silvery as the season progresses.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Pulmonaria longifolia 'Ankum', commonly known as Lungwort, can be used as a natural dye, producing a range of colors from yellow to gray depending on the mordant used.
• Lungwort can be a beneficial addition to a compost heap as its leaves decompose relatively quickly, enriching the compost with nutrients.
• Gardeners may use Lungwort as a living mulch to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and provide a habitat for beneficial insects.
• The plant's leaves can be placed under larger plants or shrubs to protect the soil from erosion due to their spreading habit.
• Lungwort's foliage and attractive flowers can be used in floral arrangements, especially in woodland-themed designs.
• The borage-like flowers of Lungwort can be crystallized and used as edible decorations for cakes and pastries.
• This plant can act as an indicator of soil pH; if it thrives, the soil is likely to be neutral to slightly acidic.
• Lungwort leaves, being rough and hairy, can be used as a natural abrasive for light cleaning tasks in the garden.
• Gardeners may plant Lungwort to create a textured groundcover tapestry when combined with other low-growing perennials.
• Its early blooming can help to provide nectar for pollinators like bees when other food sources are scarce in late winter to early spring.

Feng Shui

The plant Lungwort is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant Lungwort is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing: Pulmonaria longifolia 'Ankum', commonly known as lungwort, traditionally symbolizes healing due to its historical use in treating respiratory ailments, reflecting the doctrine of signatures where the lung-like pattern on its leaves suggested its medicinal use for lung diseases.
• Protection: The tough, resilient nature of the plant can be seen as a representation of personal protection and endurance in difficult times.
• Perseverance: The lungwort's ability to thrive in shaded environments and its early blooming season demonstrates perseverance and the ability to prosper despite challenges.
• Longevity: With its long-lasting foliage and persistent nature, lungwort has come to symbolize longevity and the passage of time.
• Hope: As one of the early bloomers in spring, lungwort brings color to shady areas, representing hope and the arrival of better times following the darkness of winter.