A hardy perennial, growing to 30 cm (12 in), it has hairy stems and dark green leaves, blotched with creamy-white spots. The tubular flowers, borne in spring, are pink at first, and then turn blue.
History and traditions
Both the Latin and common names of this herb point to its principal former use in treating lung complaints. The spotted leaves were thought to resemble lungs and it is often cited as an example of the application of the Doctrine of Signatures, an influential Renaissance philosophy, which held that the medicinal uses of plants were indicated by their correspondence in appearance to the part of the human body affected. It is often grown in herb gardens for its historical associations and attractive foliage and habit.
Habitat/distribution
Occurs in Europe, parts of Asia and North America, in woodlands.
Growth
Grows best in humus-rich, moist soil and a shady position. Propagated by division, in late spring after flowering, or in autumn. Although it self-seeds in the garden, collected seed seldom germinates satisfactorily.
Parts used
Leaves dried for use in infusions and extracts.
Uses
Medicinal
The herb contains soothing mucilage and has expectorant properties. It is still sometimes used for bronchial infections and coughs, but it is now thought that it may mirror some of the toxicity discovered in Symphytum, to which it is closely related.
