Our Lady's Milk Drops Pulmonaria officinalis

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.