Bethlehem Sage Pulmonaria longifolia

Narrow-leaf lungwort is a shade-loving, semi-evergreen, herbaceous perennial. It is low-growing and clump-forming. The leaves are fuzzy, narrow, deep green, and mottled with silver or white blotches. Funnel-shaped flowers bloom in shades of blue, purple, or pink. It is a member of the Boraginaceae or borage family.

This plant is native to western Europe or more specifically, France, Great Britain, Portugal, and Spain. It is typically found in woodlands or scrub areas. A subspecies cevennesis is a native of southern France in the Cevennes Mountain. This subspecies has leaves that are up to 24 inches long.

The genus name, Pulmonaria, is derived from the Latin word, pulmo, which means "lung." In the past, it was believed that this plant was a remedy for lung diseases. The species name, longifolia, is Latin and means long leaves which describe its leaf shape. The common name, lungwort, references the spotted leaves that resemble a diseased lung. 

Narrow-leaf lungwort performs best in partial to full shade, and rich, moist, well-drained soils. Dry soils, direct sun, and extreme heat should be avoided. They prefer cool shaded areas for peak performance. They may be propagated by division which is best done after flowering in the spring or during the fall.

The narrow-leaf lungwort has both basal and cauline leaves. The basal leaves form a dense clump. Each leaf is up to 12 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. The cauline leaves are smaller and are sparsely placed along the stems. Clusters of funnel-shaped flowers appear in the spring. 

The leaves, stems, and blooms of lungwort are toxic to cats and dogs. They contain chemicals known as saponins and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. If ingested, pets may exhibit symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty walking, or neurological problems. Consult your veterinarian immediately.

Consider using the narrow-leaf lungwort as a low spreading ground cover in woodland or shaded areas. It may be used along banks, slopes, borders, beds, and in cottage gardens. The mottled and spotted leaves of green and silver will add interest all year round plus the bonus of dark blue to purple or pink flowers in the spring.

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Spring              Foliage:  Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter (warm climates)

Quick ID Hints:

• semi-evergreen, low growing, clumping perennial
• narrow basal leaves up to 12 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide forming a dense clump
• leaves dark green and mottled with silver or white
• sparse cauline leaves along the stem
• clusters of funnel-shaped flowers of pink, blue, or purple in the spring

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Narrow-leaf lungwort has no serious pests and diseases. Slugs may be an occasional problem. Powdery mildew can occur in dry conditions. In poorly drained soils, root rot can develop. The leaves will scorch or wilt in extremely hot weather or full sun. 

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.