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Lungwort
Pulmonaria officinalis
Overview
A low-growing Eurasian woodland perennial with distinctive silver-mottled leaves and clusters of early-spring flowers that open pink and age to blue — both colors often appearing on the same plant at once. Named for the leaves' resemblance to diseased lung tissue under the historical Doctrine of Signatures, lungwort has been cultivated in European herb gardens for centuries. Its true modern value is ecological: among the earliest reliable nectar sources for emerging queen bumblebees, who would otherwise face a hungry month between snowmelt and the first tree blooms. Non-invasive, an excellent supplement where native early-shade bloomers are sparse.
Common Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis)
Common lungwort, a fascinating member of the Boraginaceae family, goes by several charming names such as lungwort, common lungwort, Mary's tears, and Our Lady's milk drops. This herbaceous perennial plant is known for its unique appearance and medicinal properties, making it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes.
Appearance and Distinguishing Features
Common lungwort forms a spreading mound of delicate, shiny, mid-green leaves that are heart-shaped at the base but become more ovate as they progress up the petiole. The edges of the leaves are slightly toothed, adding texture and visual interest. In spring, handsome flower spikes emerge from the foliage, bearing vivid blue-violet flowers with white spots or speckles on each petal's lower lobes. This striking contrast between the deep throat color and the white-speckled upper lobe is a distinguishing feature of common lungwort.
Native Range and Habitat
Pulmonaria officinalis originates from Europe, where it can be found growing naturally in moist, shaded woodlands, along forest edges, and in shady hedgerows. It thrives in areas with partial to full shade and well-drained, humus-rich soil that retains moisture.
Growing Conditions and Care
Common lungwort is an adaptable plant suitable for various garden settings. It prefers a partially shaded spot protected from hot afternoon sun, although it can tolerate some morning sun or dappled light. Well-drained, rich in organic matter soil that retains moisture will encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms. To maintain a robust spread of plants, division should be performed every 3-4 years to prevent the center of the clump from becoming bare.
Propagation is simple through division done during dormancy in late fall or early spring. Seeds can also be sown directly into the garden bed in autumn or spring for a more natural and staggered bloom display throughout the subsequent seasons.
Uses
Common lungwort serves multiple purposes within the realm of gardening, medicine, and ecology:
Ornamental
This plant is highly valued for its striking, bi-colored flowers that bring visual charm to shaded gardens. Its unique foliage adds texture and depth to any planting scheme.
Ecological
Lungworts provide a vital food source for bees and other pollinators in early spring when few other plants are in bloom. They also support various beneficial insects and small wildlife within the ecosystem.
Medicinal
Historically, common lungwort has been used to treat respiratory ailments due to its name's reference to lungs. While modern research is limited, traditional medicine suggests that the plant may have expectorant and soothing properties for bronchial complaints.
Cultural or Historical Significance
Lungworts are believed to have been named after their supposed resemblance to diseased human lungs. In some European cultures, they were thought to possess magical powers protecting against lung ailments. The blue-violet flowers of common lungwort have also symbolized purity and faith in various cultural contexts.
Notable Varieties or Related Species
Several cultivated varieties offer gardeners an array of colors and forms to choose from:
Appearance
- 'Mrs. Kendall Gold' boasts bright gold leaves with a slightly serrated edge, contrasting beautifully against its deep violet-blue flowers. - 'Sissinghurst White' features pure white flowers that stand out prominently against glossy green foliage. - Pulmonaria saccharata (Sugar Lungwort) has larger, more rounded leaves and produces pink or pale purple flowers.
While common lungwort remains the most widely distributed species within its genus, other related plants like P. mollis (Soft Lungwort) or P.
Mentioned in The Mycelial Grimoire
Posts on the Grimoire that reference Lungwort.
Growing Conditions
Habitat & Range
- Habitat
- Meadows & Open Areas
- Native Range
- also native to Italy
- Cultivation Region
- Temperate regions
Botanical data via projectGAIA.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Sowing & Propagation
Propagation Methods
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant in early spring or fall; prefers part to full shade |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | Apr — May | Very early bloom — feeds first emerging queen bumblebees |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Mar — May | Plant after soil thaws; rich humus, shaded location |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | Apr — May | Pink buds open and age to blue on the same plant |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in early spring; tucks beautifully under deciduous trees |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Mar — May | Among the earliest spring blooms; bumblebees rely on it |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Sep — Oct | Divide every 4–5 years in early fall when foliage tires |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Nov — Feb (wraps) | Plant in winter — too hot in summer for establishment |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | Feb — Apr | Late winter to spring bloom; finished before summer heat |
Uses
Medicinal
- Traditional respiratory tonic (limited modern evidence)
- Historical wound-poultice in European folk medicine
Other Uses
- Premier early-spring pollinator support
- Shade-tolerant ground cover under deciduous trees
- Spotted-leaf ornamental foliage
Safety Notes
Contains small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be hepatotoxic with prolonged or high-dose internal use. Brief use only, and supervised by a qualified herbalist. Not native to North America (Eurasian origin) but non-invasive in cultivated gardens.
