Lungwort
Pulmonaria officinalis
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 2710 — Pulmonaria officinalis
Pulmonaria officinalisPulmonaria officinalisPulmonaria officinalisPulmonaria officinalisPulmonaria officinalisPulmonaria officinalisPulmonaria officinalisPulmonaria officinalisPulmonaria officinalisPulmonaria officinalisPulmonaria officinalisPulmonaria officinalisPulmonaria officinalisPulmonaria officinalis
IOverview
Overview
Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is a perennial herb known for its ornamental value and medicinal properties. Native to countries across Europe including Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and others, it thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH of 7–7.5. This plant, which reaches heights of about 0.3 meters and spreads to 0.5 meters, is valued for its edible leaves that can be used in culinary applications. Its distinctive features include spotted leaves and pink or blue bell-shaped flowers, making it a popular choice for gardens where its light requirements are met with partial shade.
Quick answers
What is Lungwort?
Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is a perennial herb known for its ornamental value and medicinal properties. Native to countries across Europe including Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and others, it thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH of 7–7.
What is Lungwort used for?
Traditionally used for immune support, topical & skin. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Lungwort
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Lungwort has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support respiratory health and immune function, often prepared as a tea or decoction. Its use is based on its historical reputation for addressing coughs and colds.
The mechanism by which Lungwort supports immune function is not fully characterised but may involve the presence of compounds like saponins and flavonoids that have known anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lungwort has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine for topical applications to support skin health, particularly for minor irritations and wounds. It is often prepared as a poultice or salve.
The mechanism by which Lungwort supports skin health is not fully characterised but may involve the presence of compounds like tannins that have known astringent properties.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Lungwort support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) thrives in moist conditions and prefers light to medium soil types, though it can adapt to heavier clay soils. It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 6-9 on the USDA Hardiness Zone scale. This perennial requires partial shade to full sun, with moderate watering needs. Propagation can be done through division or seed sowing. The edible leaves are best harvested before flowering for use as a mild, slightly bitter herb in cooking. Soil pH should be maintained between 7 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
Light
5/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m × 0.5 m
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Lungwort for the first time
8steps
Start with Lungwort for a low-maintenance, beginner-friendly perennial.
- 1
What you'll need
A small packet of Lungwort seeds or young plants, a garden fork, and compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late summer for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH of 7–7.5; loosen the topsoil and mix in compost.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds just below the surface, about 10 cm apart. For transplants, space them 30-45 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly during dry spells but avoid overwatering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back old foliage in early spring to make way for new growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, neglecting deadheading, and not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The lungwort plant's leaves are edible and can be consumed fresh or dried. They are typically used in salads when fresh, offering a mild flavor. Dried leaves can also be steeped to make tea. Skip the preparation details for brevity.
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
19 native · 4 introduced
Distribution
19 native · 4 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 19 native· 4 introduced
Europe18 regions
native (17)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsPolandRomaniaSwedenSwitzerlandUkraine
introduced (1)United Kingdom
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia
introduced:Ontario, Québec, New York
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 27102603-0c46-4516-ba22-618508057510
Decision aid
Choosing between Lungwort and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.