At first glance, mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) look strikingly similar. Both sport broad, fuzzy leaves that feel like velvet to the touch. But don’t be fooled – these two plants are distinctly different despite their nearly identical foliage.

So how do you tell mullein and lamb’s ear apart? Let’s examine the key differences to clear up the confusion once and for all

Growth Habit

One of the most obvious variances between mullein and lamb’s ear is their growth habit

• Mullein grows as a biennial or short-lived perennial, forming a rosette of large leaves in the first year before sending up a tall flower spike in year two The rosette can reach diameters of up to 5 feet across

• Lamb’s ear is a low-growing, spreading perennial groundcover. It forms a dense mat of foliage that hugs the ground, spreading outwards through rhizomes.

So mullein takes an upright, vertical form while lamb’s ear assumes a prostrate, horizontal growth pattern.

Leaf Differences

The leaves also provide some distinguishing characteristics:

• Mullein leaves grow very large, up to 12 inches long and 6 inches wide. They are bright green in color.

• Lamb’s ear leaves are much smaller, typically maxing out around 4-6 inches long. The leaves are a silver-gray hue.

Mullein leaves have a more vibrant green versus the subtle blue-gray tones of lamb’s ear foliage. And mullein leaves are giants compared to the daintier lamb’s ear.

Flowers

The blooms offer instant identification:

• Mullein sends up a tall spike covered in tiny yellow flowers from June to September.

• Lamb’s ear produces dense whorls of small purple flowers on short stalks in summer.

One glimpse of the flowering habits seals the deal between these lookalikes.

Growing Conditions

While mullein and lamb’s ear look similar, their preferred growing conditions differ:

• Mullein thrives in full sun and disturbed soils with low fertility. It self-sows easily.

• Lamb’s ear requires well-drained but rich soil and partial shade. It spreads slowly via rhizomes.

Mullein readily colonizes poor soils in wide open sunny spaces. Meanwhile, lamb’s ear is particular about more amended, partly shaded sites.

Origins and Uses

Finally, the heritage offers more clues:

• Mullein is native to Europe, parts of Africa and Asia. It has been used medicinally and as a fiber plant.

• Lamb’s ear hails from Turkey and surrounding regions. It is grown as a soft, attractive ornamental groundcover.

Mullein has been prized for practical uses while lamb’s ear is cultivated for its decorative landscaping value.

How to Grow Mullein

Want to welcome some fuzzy mullein into your own garden? Here are tips for growing this unique biennial:

Sun and Soil Needs

• Full sun to partial shade
• Dry, well-draining soils
• Low fertility requirements

Starting Mullein from Seed

• Sow outdoors in fall or early spring
• Barely cover the tiny seeds and keep moist
• Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart

Caring for Mullein Plants

• Water sparingly once established, just during drought
• Avoid fertilizing which stimulates foliar growth over flowers
• Stake tall flower stalks if needed for support

Uses for Mullein

• Medicinal uses: tea, tinctures, cough drops, anti-inflammatory
• Insect repellent and soil conditioner during first year
• Dynamic vertical accent in flower beds and naturalized areas

Give mullein room to grow and it will thrive with minimal care, gracing your garden with stately flower spikes.

Growing Lamb’s Ear – Care Tips

Lamb’s ear is beloved for its soft, downy foliage. Follow these simple guidelines for growing this fuzzy groundcover:

Sun and Soil Requirements

• Partial sun or light shade exposure
• Rich, well-draining soil
• Maintain consistent moisture

Planting Lamb’s Ear

• Set plants 12-15 inches apart in spring or fall
• Dig holes the width of the root ball
• Bury roots 1 inch deeper than pot level

Ongoing Care

• Apply organic mulch like wood chips to conserve moisture
• Prune off any tattered foliage in spring
• Shear back flowers to prolong the growing season
• Divide congested plants every 2-3 years

Common Uses

• Groundcover, border plant, cascading over walls
• Containers and hanging baskets
• Accent plant mingled with ferns orhostas
• Soft, fuzzy texture provides color and contrast

With proper siting and routine care, lamb’s ear is easy to grow and adds unique beauty and texture to gardens and landscapes.

Key Differences Between Mullein vs. Lamb’s Ear

Here is a quick summary chart to differentiate these doppelgängers at a glance:

| Mullein | Lamb’s Ear
|-|-|-|
| Growth habit | Tall vertical spike | Low growing groundcover
| Leaf color | Bright green | Blue-gray green
| Leaf size | Very large, up to 12 inches | Smaller, around 4-6 inches
| Flowers | Tall yellow spikes | Short purple blooms
| Light needs | Full sun | Part shade
| Soil | Dry, poor soil | Rich, moist soil
| Spread | Self-seeds freely | Slowly spreads via rhizomes
| Uses | Medicinal, fiber | Ornamental

Once you train your eye to recognize the nuances between these lookalikes, telling mullein and lamb’s ear apart becomes easy. So go ahead and appreciate both of these fuzzy-leaved plants for their unique merits!

The Historic Uses of Mullein and Lamb’s Ear

Mullein and lamb’s ear haven’t just been used for ornamental purposes – they both have long histories of practical use:

Historic Uses of Mullein

• Dried leaves used as lamp wicks soaked in tallow or beeswax
• Dried leaves mixed with flax fibers to make fabric, paper, and wicks
• Leaf smoke used to stupefy bees when harvesting honeycombs
• Leaves dried and smoked to treat lung ailments
• Leaf teas and tinctures used for coughs, colds, and bronchitis
• Flowers infused in oil to make earache remedies
• Roots boiled to create dark orange dye for fabrics

Traditional Uses of Lamb’s Ear

• Leaves used as toilet paper and wipes before modern times
• Pioneers lined shoes with leaves for warmth
• Leaves wrapped around butter during storage to protect and insulate it
• Young shoots and leaves eaten cooked or raw in some regions
• Used in folk medicine for wounds, infections, and inflammation

Beyond their ornamental beauty, mullein and lamb’s ear served important utilitarian purposes throughout history. They remain respected for both usefulness and loveliness.

Designing Gardens With Mullein and Lamb’s Ear

Want to incorporate mullein and lamb’s ear into your garden designs? 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 mullein in meadow gardens, cottage gardens, native plantings

• Let lamb’s ear cascade over walls or soften pathway edges

• Plant lamb’s ear as a lush groundcover under trees and shrubs

Container Ideas

• Display mullein’s tall blooms in large planters and pots

• Allow lamb’s ear to drape over container rims as a “spiller”

Garden Design Tips

• Mass lamb’s ear for a smooth carpet-like effect

• Use mullein’s height to create vertical contrast

• Echo lamb’s ear’s purple blooms with other purples and blues

• Contrast lamb’s ear’s cool grays with hot colors like oranges

Both plants offer unique textures and versatility – let them shine in your landscape!

FAQs About Mullein and Lamb’s Ear

Still have questions about mullein vs. lamb’s ear? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Is lamb’s ear related to mullein?

No, lamb’s ear and mullein are entirely different plant species, only related by their similar fuzzy foliage.

Is lamb’s ear invasive?

Lamb’s ear spreads slowly and is not considered invasive. However, mullein can be weedy and self-sows freely.

Is lamb’s ear poisonous to dogs?

Lamb’s ear is non-toxic for dogs and pets. The fuzz may cause minor irritation. Always supervise pets around any plants.

What zone is mullein hardy to?

Mullein is extremely cold hardy, tolerating temperatures down to zone 3. Lamb’s ear is slightly less hardy, survivng winters in zones 4-9.

Should mullein and lamb’s ear be cut back in winter?

Cut both plants back in late fall or early spring. Pruning removes dead growth and encourages fresh foliage.

How much sun does lamb’s ear need?

Lamb’s ear thrives in partial shade. Mullein requires full sun to bloom properly. Adjust siting accordingly.

While their nearly identical leaves cause confusion, mullein and lamb’s ear offer unique strengths. Learn to tell them apart and appreciate their distinct merits!