Pulmonaria

Pulmonaria, commonly known as lungwort, is a genus of about 15 to 20 species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the borage family Boraginaceae. Native to Europe and western Asia, several species have long been cultivated as ornamentals and have become naturalized in parts of North America. The genus name derives from Latin pulmo, meaning “lung,” reflecting an historical belief that the plant could treat respiratory ailments.

Most Pulmonaria species form low, clump-like rosettes with oval to oblong leaves, often evergreen and sometimes marked with silvery flecks. In early spring, flowering stems rise to bear clusters of tubular flowers that are usually pink or red when they emerge and age to blue or white, frequently with dark spots inside the corolla. Flowers are popular with bees and other pollinators.

Habitat and cultivation preferences include partial to full shade and cool, moist, well-drained soil. They are commonly grown in woodland or shade borders and can serve as ground covers in appropriate conditions. Pulmonarias spread slowly by rhizomes and can naturalize in suitable gardens; some forms are vigorous self-seeders.

Horticultural use centers on their reliable early-season color and ornamental foliage, with numerous cultivars featuring variegated or spotted leaves and flower colors ranging from pink to blue or white that may shift as they age. They dislike wet winter conditions in poorly drained soils and benefit from division every few years.

Species commonly encountered in cultivation include Pulmonaria officinalis (the common lungwort), along with Pulmonaria saccharata and Pulmonaria longifolia. In traditional herbal medicine, lungwort was once used for respiratory conditions, but modern medical use is not supported, and ornamental cultivation is its primary value today.