The lungwort, so called because the mottled leaves were supposed to resemble lungs, and as such, using the Doctrine of Signitures method of medicine, the species was used to treat lung-related ailments. Different varieties produce a range of leaf markings, which look their best when putting on fresh growth after the spring flowering and are therefore a great ground cover plant. Funnel-shaped flowers with open lobes are produced in shades of blue, violet, pink, purple, red and white are a good early food source for bees.

Pulmonaria longifolia is, as suggested in its name, memorable for its long slender pointed leaves, which are dark green with grey-white spots. Nodding blue or violet flowers emerge from pink buds and flower over a long season. More tolerant of heat and drought than many species.