Suffolk Lungwort
ExplorePlants
Suffolk Lungwort
Pulmonaria obscura
Suffolk Lungwort is a lovely plant with soft, spotted leaves and pretty flowers. It blooms in early spring and can be found in shady places, making it a special sight in gardens and woodlands.
Habitat: Woodlands
Appearance
The Suffolk Lungwort is a low-growing perennial with hairy stems and dark green leaves. Its bell-shaped flowers start pink and gradually change to a beautiful blue or violet as they mature. Unlike some relatives, its leaves are usually unspotted, giving it a unique, uniform green appearance.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBoraginalesFamilyBoraginaceaeGenusPulmonaria
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Early spring is when many queen bumblebees emerge, and this plant is their first feast!
Even though it's called 'lungwort,' it’s actually totally safe to eat its young leaves in salads!
Its common name comes from being particularly found in Suffolk, England!
This plant often grows under trees in ancient woodlands, some of which are thousands of years old!
Special abilities
Ability
Color Changing Flowers
Suffolk Lungwort has flowers that change color from pink to blue, helping signal to pollinators which flowers are freshest and contain nectar.
Ability
Early Spring Food Source
Suffolk Lungwort blooms very early, providing vital nectar and pollen for hungry insects like bees when other food sources are scarce.
Ability
Hairy Defenses
Suffolk Lungwort has hairy leaves and stems, which can deter some hungry herbivores from munching on its precious foliage.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-30 cm
- Spread
- 20-40 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
Visits early spring flowers for nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Western Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
An important early season food source for honey bees.
parasitizes
Lungwort Rust Fungus
Puccinia pulmonariae
A specific rust fungus that can grow on Lungwort leaves.
eats
Spanish Slug
Arion vulgaris
Generalist slug that may graze on its leaves if available.
Traits
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants unless you're with an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Suffolk Lungwort?
10-30 cm
How wide does Suffolk Lungwort spread?
20-40 cm
How big are the flowers on Suffolk Lungwort?
1-2 cm
When does Suffolk Lungwort bloom?
Spring
Is Suffolk Lungwort edible?
Yes
Is Suffolk Lungwort toxic?
Mild
What is Suffolk Lungwort's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Suffolk Lungwort pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
