Pulmonaria saccharata aka Bethlehem Lungwort

Pulmonaria saccharata is a leafy perennial in the borage family. Gardeners know it as lungwort or Bethlehem sage. Kew places its native range in southeastern France. It grows in a temperate climate. In the wild, it lives in woods and scrub. These sites provide shade and deep soil rich in humus. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant forms clumps that can spread across the ground. Its leaves grow in a broad rosette near soil level. RHS gives a garden height of 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. It lists the same range for the plant's spread. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The mid-green leaves have pale markings and a hairy surface. They fall away rather than stay green through winter. Blue flowers bring colour before many summer plants bloom. RHS records flowers from late winter through late spring. Missouri Botanical Garden gives April to May as its flowering season.

Grow it in partial shade with moist soil that drains well. Missouri Botanical Garden also lists full shade as suitable. Cool soil with plenty of organic matter suits it best. RHS accepts loam, sand, clay, and chalk soils. Soil may be acid, neutral, or alkaline. Keep the soil from drying out during hot spells. Heat and excess sun can leave the foliage looking worn. Wet soil with poor drainage can cause root rot. Its listed hardiness spans USDA zones 3–8 and RHS H6.

Use groups of plants to cover ground in shaded beds. They also suit woodland gardens and shaded rock gardens. Along shady paths, they can form a low edging. RHS lists planting beneath roses and shrubs among its uses. The foliage adds interest when flowers are absent. Missouri Botanical Garden reports tolerance of deer and black walnut. Care needs are low, though plants still need suitable moisture. Divide clumps to make more plants. Remove old, faded leaves after bloom when needed. Slugs and snails may damage growth early in the season. Powdery mildew can also occur, but serious problems are uncommon.

Plants For A Future gives it a low edible-use rating. It reports use as a spice without naming the part. That brief record does not provide instructions for eating it. The same source lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. Those entries do not establish safety for people or pets.