Lungworth, (Pulmonaria officinalis)

Appearance: Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) has striking, speckled green leaves often marked with silvery-white spots. Its small, tubular flowers bloom in clusters, transitioning from pink to blue or purple as they mature.

Growth Habit: A low-growing, clumping perennial, it spreads by creeping rhizomes and forms a dense ground cover. It grows 8–12 inches tall.

Cultivation: An excellent choice for shade gardens, it thrives in cool, damp conditions and naturalizes well in woodland areas.

Soil: Prefers rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal.

Sunlight: Prefers partial to full shade but tolerates morning sun in cooler climates.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells, as lungwort dislikes drought conditions.

Uses:

Culinary: Rarely used in modern cooking but historically consumed as a pot herb in soups or stews.
Dyeing: Not traditionally used for dyeing.
Ornamental: Highly valued for its early spring blooms and attractive foliage, making it a popular groundcover in shade gardens.
Medicinal: Historically associated with lung health (doctrine of signatures). Traditionally used as an herbal remedy for respiratory issues, coughs, and bronchitis due to its soothing mucilaginous properties. Also considered mildly astringent and anti-inflammatory.

Maintenance: Easy to maintain with occasional division every 3–5 years to prevent overcrowding. Remove faded foliage after flowering to encourage fresh growth. Keep soil moist to prevent leaf browning in summer.