Lungwort (Pulmonaria Officinalis)
© Joan Stacey

Lungwort (Pulmonaria Officinalis)

Date added: 29/04/2021 17:26:17
Author: Joan Stacey

This is a really attractive hardy perennial plant and some fine examples can be found near important looking graves against the west wall of the Cemetery.

It has a long flowering season and the flowers themselves are long lasting, changing gradually from blue to mauve and blue. The seeds are referred to as “nutlets”.

The leaves , which always have pale blotches help to identify the plant and give it its name as they bear some resemblance to the lungs- the Latin name Pulmonaria is the root for English words such as pulmonary ie. relating to the lungs.

In bygone times (long before the discovery of antibiotics) it was used to treat various lung disorders by reducing inflammation. This use was based on the Doctrine of Signatures (first century AD) which taught that a plant could be used to treat organs of the body which it resembled.

Hildegarde of Bingen refers to such use back in the 12th century. She was an abbess in the days when abbeys had infirmaries for the sick and treated diseases with plants from their well stocked herb gardens.

It is a really good source of nectar and helps to increase the population of pollinators which are crucial in ensuring our crops are fertilised in order to bear fruit.

There are some lovely ornamental varieties which have been cultivated by horticulturalists and these can be recognised in many private gardens.

Just a final word of warning - the roots contain toxic alkaloids and the plant, in common with other members of the Borage family, should be handled with care as it’s hairy leaves can cause a nasty skin rash.

© FNRC