Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Pulmonaria officinalis
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| Common Names: |
Spotted Lungwort, Jerusalem Cowslip, Soldiers and Sailors
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| Key Name: |
Common Lungwort
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| Parts Used: |
Leaves, flowers, roots
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| Sister Plants: |
Pulmonaria saccharata, Borago officinalis, Symphytum officinale
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| Comments: |
Perennial herb attractive to early-season pollinators; thrives in shaded, moist woodlands
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Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Perennial (6-12 in), hairy erect stem, heart-shaped leaves with white spots, pink to blue bell-shaped flowers (0.5 in), blooming early spring
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| Stem: |
Erect, 6-12 in, hairy, green
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| Leaves: |
Heart-shaped, 2-6 inches, hairy, dark green with white spots
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| Flowers: |
Bell-shaped, pink to blue, 0.5 in, in clusters, blooming March-May
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| Fruit: |
Small nutlets, 2-3 mm, brown
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| Taste: |
Mucilaginous (leaves), mild (flowers)
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| Odour: |
Mild, earthy scent from flowers
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| Root: |
Fibrous root system with rhizomes
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| Image URL: |
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to Europe, naturalized in North America
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| Cultivation: |
Plant in partial to full shade, moist well-drained soil; propagate by division in spring; space 12-18 inches apart; water regularly
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| Harvest: |
Leaves/Flowers: Early spring (March-May); Roots: Fall
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Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Demulcent, expectorant, astringent, anti-inflammatory
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| Medical Uses: |
Used for respiratory issues, coughs, bronchitis, inflammation, and as a mild astringent; leaves for tea, roots for poultices
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| Constituents: |
Mucilage, tannins, allantoin, silica
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| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (tincture)
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| Dosage: |
Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Tincture: 1-2 mL three times daily
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| Administration: |
Internal: Infusion or tincture; External: Poultice
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| Formulas: |
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| Contra Indications: |
May cause mild liver irritation; avoid during pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
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| Preparation: |
Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves/flowers in hot water 10 min; Tincture: Steep 1 part herb in 5 parts alcohol for 2-4 weeks
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| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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| Veterinary: |
Used for respiratory support or skin irritations in livestock
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
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| Pollinator: |
1
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| Pollen: |
Yes
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| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination
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| Nectar: |
Yes
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| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees, early-season pollinators
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Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Ornamental ground cover, erosion control
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| Culinary Uses: |
Young leaves edible in salads (use sparingly)
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| History: |
Used in European herbal medicine since medieval times for lung ailments
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| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS
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| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Pulmonaria+officinalis
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| Share: |
Private
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