Description:
Lamb’s Ear is a hardy, herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to the Middle East and parts of Turkey, Armenia, and Iran. It is primarily grown for its unique, soft, woolly leaves, which are covered in dense, silvery-grey hairs, giving them a texture similar to a lamb's ear, hence the name.
The plant typically grows in low, spreading clumps, reaching a height of 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) with a spread of up to 60-90 cm (24-36 inches). The leaves are elongated, oval-shaped, and have a velvety, fuzzy appearance. In late spring to early summer, Lamb’s Ear produces tall flower spikes, about 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) high, with small, tubular, purple-pink or pale violet flowers. However, it is mostly grown for its ornamental foliage rather than its blooms.
Uses:
Ornamental:
Lamb’s Ear is widely used in gardens for its attractive, silvery foliage and soft texture, which provides contrast with other plants. It’s often planted as ground cover, edging, or in rock gardens.
Its drought tolerance and low-growing habit make it ideal for low-maintenance gardens or borders.
Children’s gardens: The soft, fuzzy texture of Lamb's Ear makes it a favorite for sensory gardens, especially for children who enjoy touching its velvety leaves.
Medicinal:
In traditional herbal medicine, Lamb’s Ear was used as a wound dressing due to its absorbent and antimicrobial properties, earning it the nickname "woolly woundwort."
It has been used as a natural bandage for small cuts and scrapes, as the leaves can help to stop bleeding.
Some sources suggest that the plant has mild anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, though its medicinal use is less common today.
Historical Use:
Lamb's Ear leaves were used historically for their absorbency, including as a natural alternative to toilet paper or as bandages for wounds in times of need.
Growing Conditions:
Soil: Lamb’s Ear prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil but can tolerate poor or rocky soils as long as they don’t retain too much moisture. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, especially in areas with high rainfall.
Light: It thrives in full sun to partial shade, although full sun is ideal for maintaining the compact growth and vibrant color of the leaves. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade may help protect the leaves from scorching or drying out too much.
Watering: Lamb's Ear is drought-tolerant once established and prefers dry to medium moisture conditions. It does not like overly wet or waterlogged soil, which can cause the plant to rot. Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Climate: Lamb’s Ear is hardy, making it well-suited for cooler climates but adaptable to warm regions. It may struggle in regions with extremely high humidity or excessive rainfall, where fungal diseases can become a problem.
Maintenance:
Pruning: To keep the plant looking tidy and prevent excessive spread, remove spent flower spikes and cut back the foliage in late fall or early spring.
Division: Lamb’s Ear can spread aggressively under the right conditions, so dividing the plant every few years helps control its growth and encourages healthy new plants.
Pests/Diseases: It is relatively pest-resistant, though it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf rot if grown in overly moist conditions. Ensuring proper air circulation around the plants helps prevent these issues.