Pulmonaria obscura (Unspotted lungwort) — Photograph, Pfullingen, Germany, 2026

HA-0252 · Photograph, Pfullingen, Germany, 04/2026, Julian Auch

Unspotted lungwortPulmonaria obscura

Pulmonaria obscura, commonly known as unspotted lungwort, is a perennial wildflower native to Europe. It is recognized by its soft, green leaves lacking the pale spots seen in other lungwort species, and by its nodding flowers that change color from reddish-pink to violet-blue as they mature. The name Pulmonaria reflects its historical use in treating lung ailments, based on the old belief that leaf patterns resembled diseased lungs. Unlike its more ornamental relatives, Pulmonaria obscura has a subtler appearance and is closely associated with ancient woodlands, where it flowers early before the canopy closes.

Scientific Name

Pulmonaria obscura

Family

Boraginaceae

Order

Boraginales

Lifespan

perennial

Blossom Color

pink, violet

Blossom Symmetry

radial