Lambs ear (Stachys byzantina) is a ground cover grown for its thick, fuzzy, silvery foliage that creates a softly textured mat in the garden. Lambs ear is an easy, fast spreader, does best in full sun in most areas, and thrives in somewhat poor, slightly acidic soil. This drought-tolerant perennial is also a good candidate for xeriscaping and rock gardens, remaining evergreen in warmer climates.
In addition to being part of the mint family, the velvety texture of lambs ear makes this plant deer-resistant. However, lambs ear is consumed in some parts of South America for its unusual fish-like taste and apple-like scent.
At first glance mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) look very similar. Both have soft, fuzzy leaves covered in tiny hairs that feel like velvet. But despite their nearly identical foliage mullein and lamb’s ear are actually quite different plants.
So how can you tell mullein and lamb’s ear apart? While they may appear almost identical, there are several key differences between these two plants that make it easy to distinguish them upon closer inspection
How Mullein and Lamb’s Ear Differ
Here are the main ways that mullein and lamb’s ear differ:
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Growth habit: Mullein grows tall, up to 5 feet, with a main stalk topped by yellow flowers. Lamb’s ear is a low, spreading groundcover that only reaches about 6 inches tall.
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Leaves: Mullein has very large leaves, up to 12 inches long. Lamb’s ear leaves are much smaller, around 4-6 inches long.
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Flowers: Mullein blooms have yellow flowers on tall spikes. Lamb’s ear has petite purple flowers on short stalks.
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Origins: Mullein is native to Europe, Africa and Asia. Lamb’s ear originated in Turkey and surrounding regions.
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Uses: Mullein has historically been used for medicine and as a fiber plant. Lamb’s ear is grown mainly for ornamental purposes.
So while their leaves may look alike, mullein and lamb’s ear have very different growth habits, flower colors, origins, and traditional uses.
Examining the Features of Mullein
Now let’s take a closer look at the characteristics and uses of mullein specifically. Here’s what makes this plant unique:
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Mullein is a biennial or short-lived perennial. It forms a rosette of large furry leaves in the first year before sending up a tall flowering stalk in year two.
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The leaves are grey-green and densely covered in fine hairs. They can grow up to 12 inches long and 6 inches across.
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Flowering stalks emerge from the center of the foliage rosette and can reach heights over 5 feet tall.
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The small yellow flowers bloom from June to September on multiple branched spikes at the top of the stalk.
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Mullein thrives in full sun and disturbed soils with low fertility. It readily self-seeds in ideal growing conditions.
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Traditionally it has been used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory and for respiratory ailments. The soft leaves have also been used as lamp wicks and in fabrics.
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In the landscape, mullein makes an impressive vertical accent with its towering flower spikes. It is drought tolerant once established.
Highlighting the Attributes of Lamb’s Ear
Now let’s outline the main features of lamb’s ear that set it apart from mullein:
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Lamb’s ear is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial groundcover in the mint family. It slowly spreads via underground rhizomes.
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The leaves are much smaller than mullein, typically 4-6 inches long. They have a soft, velvety texture and cushion-like appearance.
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The foliage is silver-grey in color with a hint of green. The undersides of the leaves are white and woolly.
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Short upright flower stalks emerge in summer with dense whorls of small purple blooms on each stalk.
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Lamb’s ear performs best in partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It can tolerate some drought once established.
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Traditionally it was used as toilet paper, food, and wound dressing. Today it is grown mainly as a soft, fuzzy ornamental groundcover.
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Lamb’s ear works well as edging, in containers, cascading over walls, and combined with ferns, hostas, and shade perennials.
Key Differences at a Glance
To summarize, here is a quick comparison chart highlighting the major differences between mullein and lamb’s ear:
| Mullein | Lamb’s Ear
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| Growth Habit | Tall vertical stalk | Low spreading groundcover
| Leaf Color | Grey-green | Blue-grey with white undersides
| Leaf Size | Very large, up to 12 inches | Smaller, around 4-6 inches
| Flowers | Tall yellow spikes | Short purple blooms
| Native To | Europe, Africa, Asia | Middle East
| Uses | Medicinal, fiber plant | Ornamental
So while their leaves may appear similar at first glance, mullein and lamb’s ear exhibit numerous distinct differences when it comes to their growth habit, blooms, uses, and preferred growing conditions.
No Need to Confuse These Useful Plants
Although their nearly identical fuzzy foliage causes frequent confusion, mullein and lamb’s ear are absolutely distinct plants that offer unique benefits.
Mullein has been prized for its medicinal uses for respiratory ailments and its versatility as a fiber plant. Meanwhile, lamb’s ear is grown mainly for its soft, decorative appeal in gardens and containers.
Once you train your eye to notice the differences in their flowers, growth habits, origins and uses, telling mullein and lamb’s ear apart becomes simple.
So don’t let the doppelgänger appearance of their leaves fool you. While they may look similar, mullein and lamb’s ear are absolutely different plants. Learning to identify their unique features and uses can help you avoid mixing up these useful plants in your garden.
Lamb’s Ear vs. Mullein: Which Herb is Right for You?
Both these fuzzy, flowering plants are effective supplements when used correctly. Here are the best uses for each herbal supplement to help you choose between lamb’s ear vs. mullein:
Light
Grow lambs ears in full sun in cooler climates. In desert areas and high-heat locations, it can profit from partial shade. Excessive heat and dry conditions will cause the leaves to scorch.
early spring mullein vs lamb’s ear… with herbalist jim mcdonald
FAQ
What is the difference between lamb’s ear and mullein?
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) grows as a “foliage rosette” with a central stalk that produces yellow blossoms. Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) grows as a “foliage clump” and produces pinkish-purple flowers. While the leaves are quite similar, mullein grows much taller and lamb’s ear leaves are softer.
What is another name for lambs ear?
Stachys byzantina (syn. S. lanata), the lamb’s-ear (lamb’s ear) or woolly hedgenettle, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to Armenia, Iran, and Turkey.
What is another name for mullein?
Common Mullein (Great Mullein, Flannel Plant, Candlewick Plant, Hag’s Taper, Velvet Dock, Velvet Plant, Clown’s Lung-wort, Torches, Our Lady’s Flannel, Jacob’s Staff, Aaron’s Rod and at least 21 other names.)
Does Lamb’s Ear have any medicinal purposes?
Antiseptic effects: Lamb’s ear plant prevents the growth of microbes and helps prevent skin infections with its antiseptic properties.Jul 12, 2023
Are lamb’s ear and mullein the same?
They are not the same size, even though both plants have leaves covered in smooth, white, or grayish fuzz. A mature mullein plant can be 2 meters tall while the tallest flower spikes of a lamb’s ear plant are around 50 cm. Lamb’s ear is a perennial and evergreen plant while mullein is biennial and has no evergreen foliage.
What are the benefits of using mullein?
Mullein is a herb and its leaf extracts has been used for various purposes like flavoring agents, tea and for medicine preparation. In 16th century, it was believed to cure tuberculosis, bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and diuretic properties made it essential to include this herb in daily basis by most of the population. More research is yet to be done on its medicinal value. Hence, pregnant and breastfeeding woman to be safe can avoid its usage until further evidence on its benefits.
What is a lamb’s ear?
Lamb’s Ears is a single species, Stachys byzantine, native to the middle east and a member of the Lamiaceae (or Mint) family. It is a popular ornamental plant with a fuzzy, soft, velvety, silver-white coating on the foliage. Unlike Mullein, it is not multiple species.
How far apart should mullein & Lamb’s ear be planted?
Both lamb’s ear and mullein are low-maintenance plants that require well-drained soil. They can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter. When planting lamb’s ear, make sure to space the plants 15 to 18 inches apart.
Is mullein a perennial?
It is important to note that lamb’s ear is a perennial plant, while mullein is a biennial. This means that lamb’s ear will come back year after year, while mullein will only flower and produce seeds in its second year before dying off. To ensure a continuous supply of mullein plants, it is recommended to sow seeds every two years.
What genus is mullein?
Mulleins or the Verbascum genus is a part of the Scrophulariaceae family. Mullein and its many species are a big part of this family. There are 450+ different species in the mullein genus. Lamb’s Ear, or Stachys byzantina, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Lamiaceae is a family of mints that includes over 7,000 different members.