A favorite for growing with kids, the lamb’s ear plant (Stachys byzantina) is sure to please in nearly any garden setting. This easy-care perennial has velvety soft, wooly evergreen leaves that are silver to gray-green in color. The foliage is also similar in shape to that of a real lamb’s ears, hence its name.
In this manner, what’s the difference between lamb’s ear and mullein?
Mullein has a deep tap root so can accommodate very hot, dry weather, one reason it is often considered a weed. Lambs ears tends to mat down and rot if there is too much rain or moisture on the leaves. The flowers of lambs ears are not particularly showy, so some gardeners remove the flower spikes as they form.
Considering this, how do you figure out what kind of succulent you have? Here are some of the plant characteristics to look for when identifying succulents:
- Leaf – shape, size and thickness.
- Color – of leaves, flowers or stems.
- Markings or bumps on the leaves.
- Flower – shape, color, number of blooms and petals.
- Stem – color, texture, length.
- Ciliate hairs.
- Epicuticular wax.
- Spikes, spines or smooth.
