Trachystemon orientalis

Trachystemon orientalis is a wonderful and easy-to-grow pulmonaria relative, imported to the US from China by plantsman John Elsley in the 1970s, although its native haunts are moist valleys in the Black Sea region (Bulgaria and Turkey). Unlike many things from the '70s, Trachystemon orientalis survived the test of time. The bold, 8" long, sandpapery green leaves make a superb 6" tall, dense, deciduous ground cover that is unrivaled for dry shade...similar in appearance to comfrey. The first sign of spring is the wonderful spikes of dodecatheon-like blue flowers to 6" tall, starting in late February/early-March (NC)...a favorite of early foraging honeybees. If that's not enough, Trachystemon orientalis is rather effective as a fungicide, and in Turkey, the roots, flowers, and leaves are actually eaten.