Pulmonaria officinalis - Lungwort

Family:	Boraginaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.3
Width:	0.3
Synonyms:	P. maculosa.
Range:	Europe. Naturalized in Britain.

Pulmonaria officinalis (Lungwort) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.3m and a width of 0.3m . It has a hardness rating of 4and is vunerable to frost.
Lungwort will flower in September to November. the seeds ripen from November to December
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees, flies

Soil Information

Lungwort will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Lungwort prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Lungwort can grow in full or semi shaded areas.

Moist grasslands, damp woods and hedgerows in Britain, avoiding acid soils[13, 17, 244]. Usually found on limestone[200].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Is suited to a deeply shaded location
• Can spread to cover ground and will out compete weeds
• Will grow in a hedge row

Cultivation Details

Grows well in any moderately good soil including heavy clay soils[1, 31]. Prefers full to part shade in a moist humus rich soil[200]. Succeeds in the sunless shade of buildings[200]. Plants growing in shady positions tolerate drought if the soil is rich in humus[190]. The leaves tend to wilt in hot weather when the plant is grown in full sun[190]. Hardy to about -20°c[187]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer and rabbits[233]. A valuable early nectar source for bees[200]. There are several named forms, selected for their ornamental value[233]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 3/5
Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 7, 8, 9, 105]. They can be added to salads or used as a potherb[183]. A fairly bland flavour but the leaves are low in fibre and make an acceptable addition to mixed salads, though their mucilaginous and slightly hairy texture make them less acceptable when eaten on their own[K]. The young leaves make a palatable cooked vegetable[244], though we have found the texture to be somewhat slimy[K]. The plant is an ingredient of the drink Vermouth[244].

• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 3/5
Lungwort has a high mucilage content and this makes it useful in the treatment of chest conditions, being of particular benefit in cases of chronic bronchitis[254]. It combines well with other herbs such as coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) in the treatment of chronic coughs including whooping cough and can also be taken to treat asthma[254]. The leaves and flowering shoots are astringent, demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, mildly expectorant and resolvent[4, 7, 9, 21, 165]. They are often used for their healing effect in pulmonary complaints[4] and their mucilaginous nature makes them beneficial in treating sore throats[244]. The leaves can also be used externally to stop bleeding[254]. They are harvested in the spring and dried for later use[7]. A distilled water made from the plant is an effective eyewash for tired eyes[7]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[9]. It is used in the treatment of bronchitis, coughs and diarrhoea[9].

• Astringent - Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
• Demulcent - Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
• Diaphoretic - Induces perspiration.
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Emollient - Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.
• Expectorant - Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
• Homeopathy - A plant used in homeopathic treatments.
• Ophthalmic - Treats eye complaints.
• Resolvent - Breaks down tumors. This might be placed under antitumor.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn or after flowering in early summer if the soil is not too dry[200]. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

A tolerant and slow growing ground cover plant for open woodland and border edges[197, 200]. Plants should be spaced about 50cm apart each way[208].

• Ground cover - Usually low growing plants that can be grown with other plants, especially shrubs and trees, to prevent the growth of weeds.

Cultivars

'' - There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value. Since we know of no forms that have been selected for their useful properties, we have not listed any cultivars here and in general, unless you require the specific ornamental properties of a cultivar, we recommend you grow the species rather than any cultivars.

References

Flora of the British Isles.
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Author: Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Rating:
Publisher : A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
Date of Publication : 1962

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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