Lungwort is a shade loving herbaceous perennial groundcover native to Europe in the Boraginaceae (borage) family. Its common name, Lungwort, is derived from Medieval herbalists who believed that the plant was effective in the treatment of lung diseases. This arose from the spots on the foliage resembling the diseased lungs of a human. The flowers change color as they age. Opening pink, they will change to a rose-violet color over time and at maturity will be blue. This transformation is due to a changing pH value within the flower. The pink is the result of acidic content that becomes alkaline, where the flowers turn blue. With the flowers opening at different times, you can have all three color tones displayed at the same time. The plant spreads by rhizomes but at a very slow pace. It isn't considered to be invasive. The proper amount of moisture is crucial to its survival. Soils that are too wet or too dry are detrimental to the plant's overall health. Division is the best form of propagation and can be done in the fall. Its leaves are edible. Although quite bland, they are low in fiber and can be added to other ingredients in salads. Insects, Diseases, and other Plant Problems: No serious issues. Root rot may occur when the soil is allowed to remain wet. Allowing the soil to dry out can cause leaf damage as well as placement in full sun. Watch for slugs and powdery mildew.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Its green leaves are splotched with white spots. The upper side of the leaf has tiny bumps. The basal leaves can grow up to 5" long. The stem leaves are somewhat shorter and not plentiful.
Flower color
Blue; Pink; Purple/Lavender
Flower value
Showy
Flower shape
Funnel
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
The flowers bloom in clusters. The flowers are pink when they open. Age they age, they begin to turn a rose-violet. When mature they will have again changed to blue.
Bloom time
Spring
Stem detail
The stems are unbranched and have a rough feel.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Europe
Wildlife value
Bees, flies, butterflies, moth caterpillars, and some wildlife are attracted to this plant.
Attracts
Bees; Small Mammals
Play value
Attracts Pollinators; Easy to Grow; Shade
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Leaves
Edibility
The leaves are edible.
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Patio; Pond; Small Space; Woodland
Landscape theme
Edible Garden; Fairy Garden; Pollinator Garden; Rock Garden; Shade Garden
Design feature
Accent; Border; Mass Planting; Small groups; Specimen