Lungwort (Pulmonaria): colours, meaning, where it grows and when it blooms

Lungwort is a perennial plant from the borage family, found across Europe and western to central Asia. It forms low clumps of hairy, often spotted leaves and produces clusters of funnel-shaped flowers that shift from pink or violet to blue as they mature. Gardeners value it for groundcover in shady, moist spots, especially in early spring.

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Flowers change from pink or violet to blue as they mature
Leaves are often spotted, giving rise to the name lungwort
Blooms early in spring, brightening shady gardens
Used in the past for traditional lung remedies
Supports caterpillars of some moth species

What does Lungwort look like?

Lungwort plants grow in clumps or rosettes, with leaves that are often covered in bristly hairs and sometimes marked with pale or dark spots. The leaves range from narrow to oval, sometimes heart-shaped at the base, and are usually soft but can be wavy. Flower stalks rise just above the foliage, bearing clusters of funnel-shaped flowers. These blooms start out pink or violet and turn blue as they age, though some may be white or red. The plant typically reaches 15–25 cm tall and can spread up to 60 cm wide.

Where does Lungwort come from?

Pulmonaria grows wild across much of Europe and into western and central Asia. One species, P. mollissima, extends its range further east. The genus includes about 18 species, though the exact number is debated. The name Pulmonaria comes from the Latin word for lung, reflecting an old belief that the spotted leaves resembled diseased lungs and could be used in remedies for lung ailments. The plant’s common name in several languages also refers to lungs or, in some eastern European languages, to honey.

When and how Lungwort blooms

Lungwort blooms early in the spring, often before many other plants. It prefers moist, shaded spots and is usually grown as a perennial groundcover in gardens. The plant spreads slowly by rhizomes and can be grown from seed or by dividing clumps. Only a handful of species are commonly cultivated, with some, like P. saccharata and P. angustifolia, especially popular for their colorful flowers and patterned leaves.

The flowers of a en:Lungwort ( Pulmonaria officinalis ). Image by Pharaoh Hound .. Photo: Pharaoh Hound at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How Lungwort is used

Gardeners use lungwort mainly as an ornamental groundcover in shady, damp areas, where its early flowers and decorative leaves brighten up the garden. In the past, people believed the plant could help with lung problems, inspired by the leaf markings. Some species also serve as food for the caterpillars of certain moths.

Kinds of Lungwort

There are around 18 species in the Pulmonaria genus, though only about eight are widely grown in gardens. Some well-known garden species include P. saccharata, P. angustifolia, and P. longifolia, each with slightly different leaf shapes and flower colors. Cultivars with mixed backgrounds have received awards for their ornamental value.

What Lungwort means

The plant’s name and reputation come from the old idea that its spotted leaves resembled lungs, leading to its use in traditional remedies for chest ailments. In several European languages, the common name for lungwort refers either to lungs or to honey, reflecting both its appearance and its early spring nectar for insects. Today, it is mainly valued for its decorative role in gardens.

Questions people ask about Lungwort

Where does lungwort come from?

Lungwort is native to areas across Europe and stretches into western and central Asia, with some species reaching as far as central Asia.

What does lungwort look like?

It forms low clumps of hairy, often spotted leaves, and produces clusters of funnel-shaped flowers that shift from pink or violet to blue as they age. Some species also have white or red flowers.

Why is it called lungwort?

The name comes from the Latin word for lung, inspired by the spotted leaves that were thought to resemble diseased lungs. This led to its use in traditional remedies for chest problems.

How is lungwort used in gardens?

Gardeners grow lungwort as a groundcover in shady, moist areas, especially for its early spring flowers and decorative leaves. It is valued for brightening up gardens before many other plants bloom.

Are there different types of lungwort?

Yes, there are about 18 species in the genus, though only a few are widely grown in gardens. These species and their cultivars vary in leaf shape and flower color.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Pulmonaria", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

Lungwort