Lungwort, Jerusalem Cowslip, Soldiers and sailors, Spotted dog, Jerusalem sage
Pulmonaria officinalis
Family: Boraginaceae
What it is like
A perennial herb. It grows 25-30 cm high and 30-45 cm wide. The leaves are heart-shaped and spotted. They are 15 cm long. The flowers change from pink to violet then blue.
There are about 14 Pulmonaria species. Contains flavonoids, ascorbic and silicic acid, saponins, tannins, carotene, allantoin, rutin and mucous membranes. The plant also contains unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It will grow in most soils. It needs a protected and partly shady position. It is frost hardy. It is sensitive to drought. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Czech Republic, Estonia, Europe (country/location of origin), Hungary, Macedonia, Moldova, Norway, Scandinavia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The young leaves near the base are used for salads or boiled as potherbs or added to soups and stews. An extract of the herb is used to flavour vermouth.
Edible parts
Leaves, nectar
How it is grown
It can be grown by seed or by division.
Its other names
Local names
Cicalka, Cmelik, Lungeurt, Medunica, Plucna zelina, Plucnjak