Contents
Description
Comastoma Pulmonarium, also known as the Pulmonaria or Lungwort, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. This plant is native to Europe and Asia and is widely cultivated in gardens for its attractive foliage and flowers. The name Pulmonaria comes from the Latin word ‘pulmo’, meaning lung, as the plant was believed to be beneficial for treating lung diseases in ancient times.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Comastoma |
Appearance
Comastoma Pulmonarium is a clump-forming plant that grows up to 30 cm tall and 45 cm wide. The leaves are hairy, lance-shaped, and have white spots on them. The flowers are funnel-shaped, pink in bud, and turn to blue or purple when fully open. The flowers bloom from March to May and attract bees and butterflies. The plant is herbaceous, which means it dies back to the ground in winter and re-emerges in spring.
Care Guide
Comastoma Pulmonarium is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears.
- Soil: The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Comastoma Pulmonarium is generally not prone to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew, slugs, and snails. To prevent these problems, make sure the plant is grown in well-drained soil and is not overcrowded. You can also use organic pest control methods such as handpicking slugs and snails or spraying the plant with a solution of water and neem oil.
Habitat
Comastoma Pulmonarium is native to Europe and Asia and can be found growing in woodlands, meadows, and along streams. In gardens, it is often used as a groundcover or planted in borders and rock gardens. The plant prefers moist, shady conditions and can tolerate cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Comastoma Pulmonarium be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.
Q: How often should I fertilize Comastoma Pulmonarium?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring before new growth appears.
Q: Can Comastoma Pulmonarium tolerate drought?
A: No, the plant prefers moist soil and does not tolerate drought well.
Q: Is Comastoma Pulmonarium toxic to pets?
A: The plant is not toxic to pets but can cause mild digestive upset if ingested in large amounts.
Related Plants
- Comastoma Tenellum
- Comastoma Ornithopodioides
- Comastoma Alpinum
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Pulmonaria. Retrieved April 22, 2021, from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b200
- RHS. (n.d.). Comastoma pulmonarium. Retrieved April 22, 2021, from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/18914/Comastoma-pulmonarium/Details
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. (n.d.). Comastoma pulmonarium. Retrieved April 22, 2021, from https://arboretum.wisc.edu/plants/comastoma-pulmonarium/
