Is lambs ear poisonous? Have you noticed holes in lambs ear leaves? If you’re struggling to care for your lambs ears plant, don’t worry—we’ve got straightforward solutions to common problems. Keep reading to learn how to tackle these issues and keep your plants thriving.
Leaves Rot - Over-watering
Lamb's ears sometimes develop matted, rotting foliage in the center of large clumps or underneath the stems. This happens when moisture accumulates due to excessive rain, poorly drained soil or overcrowding. Gently clean out the rotting foliage. Usually the improved air circulation solves the problem. Divide overlarge clumps as described above.
Lamb's Ears have no known insect pests.
Lamb's Ears have no serious disease problems, but you may sometimes have to deal with one of those listed below.
Leaves Spotted Or Blotched - Fungal Leaf Spots
Many kinds of leaf spots are caused by fungi that thrive on moist leaf surfaces and cause transparent to brown or black spots that disfigure the leaves. Some fungal spots are surrounded by flecks or black dots, their spore-bearing fruiting bodies. Often spots come together to form larger patches of dead tissue. Pick off and discard infected leaves. Remove dead plant debris promptly from the garden to reduce over wintering spore populations.
Dig up and discard seriously infected plants together with the soil of the root ball. Spray foliage at weekly to 10 day intervals with wettable sulfur or Bordeaux mixture, particularly in wet weather. (Watch for leaf discoloration with the latter.) Clean up garden area well in the fall to deny disease spores a place to overwinter.
For more information see the file on Controlling Fungal Disease
Powdery Spots On Leaves - Rust
Rust diseases caused by various fungi produce pale yellow areas on upper leaf surfaces and powdery spots of fruiting bodies on undersides directly beneath. Infected stems and flowers may be seriously deformed. These symptoms may be difficult to detect on the silvery foliage of lamb's ears, so inspect closely any leaves that do not look normal. Remove any infected leaves as soon as possible.
Remove and destroy all garden debris before plants start to grow in the spring. Control weeds in and around the garden. Control insect pests which transmit this disease with pyrethrum or rotenone. Prevent rusts with periodic sprays of wettable sulfur on vulnerable plants, starting several weeks before the disease normally appears. Space plants widely apart for good ventilation, and avoid wetting the foliage when watering.
For more information see the file on Controlling Fungal Disease
Plants Stunted, Yellowed; Root Lesions - Nematodes
Nematodes are not insects, but slender, unsegmented roundworms. Most are microscopic-sized soil dwellers. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts and feed on cell contents. Several kinds of nematodes occasionally attack leaves or roots of lamb's ears. Infested plants look sickly, wilted or stunted, with yellowed or bronzed leaves. They decline slowly and die.
The roots are poorly developed, have little knots in them, and may be partially decayed. Control the pests by digging up and discarding severely damaged plants, and by adding lots of compost or moldy, semi-decomposed leaves if they are available, to the soil to encourage beneficial fungi that attack nematodes. If the pests are a recurrent problem, do not plant lamb's ears in that location.
For more information see the file on Controlling Nematodes
Common questions people ask:
Why Is My Lambs Ear Dying?
Lambs ear can struggle for a few common reasons:
- Overwatering: This plant hates soggy soil. Check if the roots are sitting in water and let the soil dry out before watering again.
- Fungal Diseases: Wet leaves or crowded plants can lead to fungal spots or rot. Trim affected leaves, improve airflow, and avoid watering the foliage.
- Sun or Frost Stress: Too much direct sun or frost exposure can harm lambs ear. Move it to a spot with partial shade or protect it during cold snaps.
With a bit of care, your lambs ear can bounce back and thrive. Keep it dry, well-spaced, and in the right spot, and it’ll reward you with its signature soft, silvery leaves.
Can You Eat Lambs Ear?
Yes, you can eat lambs ear, but it’s not a common food choice. Here’s why:
- Edibility: Lambs ear is not toxic to humans, so it’s safe to eat in small amounts. However, it’s not considered a reliable food source due to its high fiber content, which can make it hard to digest.
- Taste and Uses: The leaves are slightly bitter and fibrous, but some people use young lambs ear leaves in salads or cook them like spinach. It’s more of a foraging curiosity than a kitchen staple.
- Best Purpose: Lambs ear is best appreciated as an ornamental plant. Its soft, fuzzy leaves make it a stunning ground cover and a favorite in gardens, rather than on the dinner table.
While edible, lambs ear is better admired than consumed. If you’re curious, try a small leaf in a salad—but it’s more about the garden than the plate!
How to Get Rid of Lamb's Ear
Lamb’s ear can quickly spread and take over your garden if left unchecked, but there are effective ways to remove it. For small areas, the best approach is to dig out the plants by hand. Carefully loosen the soil around each plant with a garden fork or spade and pull out as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth.
For larger patches, solarization is a highly effective method. Start by cutting the plants down as close to the ground as you can. Then, cover the area tightly with plastic sheeting to trap heat from the sun, which will kill the roots over time. This method works best during hot, sunny weather.
If manual methods aren’t feasible, you can use a broadleaf weed killer to target lamb’s ear. Spot-treat the plants with care, ensuring you follow the product instructions to avoid harming nearby plants. Herbicide should be a last resort, as it can impact other garden plants.
Persistence is the key to successfully getting rid of lamb’s ear. Even after removal, check the area regularly for new shoots, as the plant can regrow from leftover roots. Hand-pull any sprouts as soon as you see them to prevent the plant from reestablishing. With consistent effort and a little patience, you can remove lamb’s ear and reclaim your garden space.
Why Is My Lambs Ear Turning Brown?
Browning on lambs ear is often a sign of overwatering, poor drainage, too much direct sunlight, fungal diseases, or pest infestations. Overwatering is the most common cause, leading to soggy roots and brown, mushy leaves. Similarly, heavy or compacted soil that doesn’t drain well can trap water around the roots, promoting rot and fungal infections. Excessive sunlight can scorch the leaves, creating dry, crispy brown edges. In humid conditions, fungal diseases like leaf spot or powdery mildew may appear as brown or discolored patches on the leaves. Occasionally, pests like aphids or spider mites can cause discoloration by damaging the leaves as they feed.
To address the problem, start by checking your watering habits—water less frequently and ensure the soil isn’t staying soggy. If drainage is an issue, amend the soil with sand or compost to allow better water flow. For sun-related browning, move your plant to a spot with partial shade. If fungal diseases are present, prune infected leaves and apply a fungicide. Finally, inspect your plant regularly for pests and treat them promptly with appropriate methods. With these steps, your lambs ear should recover and return to its vibrant silvery-green state.
