At first glance , mullein ( Verbascum thapsus ) and lamb ’s spike ( Stachys byzantina ) appear strikingly similar . Both sport broad , fuzzy leave-taking that feel like velvet to the jot . But do n’t be arse around – these two flora are distinctly different despite their nearly identical foliation .
So how do you secernate mullein and lamb ’s ear apart ? have ’s try out the central deviation to clear up up the mix-up once and for all
Growth Habit
One of the most obvious variances between mullein and lamb ’s ear is their growth wont
Mullein uprise as a biyearly or short - lived perennial , forming a rosette of large leaves in the first year before sending up a tall flower spike in twelvemonth two The rosette can reach diameter of up to 5 feet across
Lamb ’s ear is a low - growing , spreading repeated ground cover . It forms a dense mat of foliation that squeeze the ground , spreading outwards through rhizomes .
So mullein takes an upright , vertical form while lamb ’s pinna assume a prostrate , horizontal growth pattern .
Leaf Differences
The leave also provide some name characteristics :
Mullein foliage develop very large , up to 12 inches long and 6 inch panoptic . They are bright fleeceable in color .
Lamb ’s ear leaves are much smaller , typically maxing out around 4 - 6 in long . The leaves are a silver - gray hue .
Mullein leave of absence have a more vibrant green versus the subtle patrician - hoary tone of lamb ’s auricle foliage . And mullein leaves are giants compared to the daintier lamb ’s ear .
Flowers
The blooms offer instant designation :
Mullein transport up a tall spike covered in midget yellow flowers from June to September .
Lamb ’s spike produces dim whorl of small over-embellished flowers on short stalks in summer .
One glimpse of the flowering wont seals the pile between these lookalikes .
Growing Conditions
While mullein and lamb ’s spike attend similar , their preferred produce condition dissent :
Mullein thrive in full sun and disturbed soils with low fertility . It ego - sow easily .
Lamb ’s ear call for well - drained but robust grease and partial shade . It spreads easy via rhizomes .
Mullein readily colonizes poor soils in wide-eyed open sunny distance . Meanwhile , lamb ’s capitulum is particular about more amended , part shaded sites .
Origins and Uses
Finally , the inheritance extend more hint :
Mullein is aboriginal to Europe , parts of Africa and Asia . It has been used medicinally and as a fibre industrial plant .
Lamb ’s ear hails from Turkey and surround regions . It is grown as a balmy , attractive cosmetic groundcover .
Mullein has been esteem for pragmatic utilisation while lamb ’s spike is cultivated for its decorative landscaping value .
require to welcome some fuzzy mullein into your own garden ? Here are tips for produce this unique biennial :
Sun and Soil Needs
Starting Mullein from Seed
Caring for Mullein Plants
Uses for Mullein
Give flannel leaf room to farm and it will thrive with minimum upkeep , gracing your garden with stately flower capitulum .
Sun and Soil Requirements
Planting Lamb’s Ear
Ongoing Care
Common Uses
With right siting and unremarkable care , lamb ’s spike is easy to grow and adds unique beauty and texture to gardens and landscape .
Here is a straightaway summary chart to speciate these doppelgängers at a glance :
| Mullein | Lamb ’s Ear|-|-|-|| Growth habit | Tall vertical spike | Low growing groundcover| Leaf colour | Bright green | Blue - hoary green| Leaf sizing | Very big , up to 12 inches | Smaller , around 4 - 6 inches| flower | marvelous yellow spikes | Short purpleness blooms| Light take | Full Lord’s Day | Part shade| Soil | Dry , poor soil | Rich , moist soil| Spread | Self - seeds freely | Slowly diffuse via rhizomes| Uses | Medicinal , fibre | Ornamental
Once you train your eye to recognize the nuance between these lookalikes , telling mullein and lamb ’s ear aside becomes easy . So go ahead and value both of these fuzzy - leaved plants for their unparalleled merits !
Mullein and lamb ’s ear have n’t just been used for cosmetic aim – they both have long histories of practical use :
Historic Uses of Mullein
Traditional Uses of Lamb’s Ear
Beyond their decorative beauty , mullein and lamb ’s pinna served of import utilitarian purposes throughout chronicle . They persist respected for both utility and loveliness .
Want to integrate mullein and lamb ’s capitulum into your garden design ? Consider these ideas :
Complementary Plant Pairings
Mullein with yarrow , bee balm , Russian sage , daylilies
Lamb ’s ear with ferns , hostas , sedums , astilbe
Landscaping Uses
Use flannel leaf in meadow garden , bungalow gardens , native planting
Let lamb ’s capitulum shower over walls or soften pathway edges
Plant lamb ’s ear as a succulent groundcover under trees and bush
Container Ideas
Display mullein ’s magniloquent blooms in large planters and pots
Allow lamb ’s ear to robe over container rims as a “ trawl line ”
Garden Design Tips
Mass lamb ’s ear for a fluent rug - like event
Use mullein ’s acme to create vertical contrast
Echo lamb ’s auricle ’s purple bloom with other purples and blues
Contrast lamb ’s spike ’s coolheaded grey with blistering colour like orange
Both plants volunteer unparalleled textures and versatility – allow them shine in your landscape !
Still have questions about mullein vs. lamb ’s ear ? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions :
Is lamb ’s spike colligate to mullein ?
No , lamb ’s ear and mullein are entirely different plant coinage , only related by their similar muzzy foliage .
Is lamb ’s ear invasive ?
Lamb ’s ear spreads slowly and is not considered invasive . However , mullein can be underweight and self - sow freely .
Is lamb ’s ear venomous to dog ?
Lamb ’s ear is non - toxic for dogs and pets . The pig may cause minor irritation . Always supervise favorite around any plants .
What zona is mullein sturdy to ?
Mullein is extremely cold hardy , tolerating temperatures down to zone 3 . Lamb ’s pinna is slightly less stalwart , survivng winters in zone 4 - 9 .
Should mullein and lamb ’s capitulum be cut back in winter ?
Cut both plants back in previous crepuscule or early spring . Pruning removes utter outgrowth and encourages fresh foliage .
How much sun does lamb ’s ear need ?
Lamb ’s ear thrive in fond tint . Mullein want full sun to blossom properly . Adjust siting consequently .
While their nearly identical leaves cause confusion , mullein and lamb ’s auricle offer unequalled strengths . Learn to tell them asunder and appreciate their distinct merits !
early spring mullein vs lamb’s ear… with herbalist jim mcdonald
FAQ
What is the difference between lamb ear and mullein ?
What is another name for mullein ?
What is another name for lamb ’s ears ?
Does Lamb ’s Ear have any medicative use ?
Is mullein better than lamb ’s ear ?
Lamb ’s ear is better for herbal use while mulleins are wanton to grow as houseplant . Are mullein and lamb ’s ear the same ? No , mullein and lamb ’s ear are completely different plants from unlike families . They are not the same size , even though both plant have leaves covered in smooth , blanched , or gray tomentum .
What are the welfare of using mullein ?
Mullein is a herbaceous plant and its folio extracts has been used for various purposes like flavoring agents , tea and for music readying . In 16th century , it was believed to cure tuberculosis , bronchitis , asthma and other respiratory illnesses . Its anti - inflammatory , anti - viral and diuretic property made it essential to admit this herbaceous plant in daily fundament by most of the universe . More research is yet to be done on its medicative value . Hence , pregnant and breastfeeding woman to be dependable can quash its usance until further evidence on its benefits .
Are lamb ’s ear and mullein the same plant ?
The soft feeling plants like lamb ’s ear industrial plant and flannel leaf plant are similar in many way , especially by looks . Yet , there are numerous famed differences between a lamb ’s spike and the mullein plant which set the two industrial plant aside . Lamb ’s ear vs mullein : are they different or the same plants ?
What is a lamb ’s capitulum ?
The Lamb ’s Ears unlike the Mullein is a individual species , Stachys byzantine that is a member of the Lamiaceae ( or Mint ) category that is native to the middle east . It is a pop decorative plant that is wide used in cottage garden . Lamb ’s Ear is a perennial plant with a foggy , soft , velvety , silver - white coating on the foliage .
