Gardening provides people with a wide range of plants to grow. The Lambs Ear plant might interest you if you love gardening because it is a landscaping ornament.
The Lambs Ear plant has fluffy and soft leaves you would love to touch every time you walk past it. Let’s explore what you need to know regarding a plant’s edibility and how to grow it. Is the Lambs Ear plant (Stachys byzantina) edible?
Some people ask this question when evaluating whether to grow the plant or not.
The answer to this question is YES the Lambs Ear is edible. The plant is used as an herb in different parts of the world.
Lambs Ear Plant Edibility
If you want to consume this plant, cut the young leaves because they are more tender than the older ones.
People from different parts of the world eat these leaves using various cooking methods.
For example, I have heard of people who add these tender leaves to salads and consume them raw.
Other individuals steam the leaves as green and consume them with other accompaniments.
In Brazil, the plant makes “Lambari,” a battered dish. If none interest you, stir fry the leaves and enjoy the delicacy.
I love consuming this plant, but when I do, I collect leaves from different leafy plants in my garden.
I find the combinations to be very delicious because they eliminate the slightly bitter scent of the Lamb Ear plant.
The leaves are not hot and have a pleasant on the mouth. Whether you consume it without mixing it with other leaves or not, be prepared to discover a new favorite.
People have different preferences, so you might prefer the slightly bitter scent the leaves emit.
The Lamb Ear plant also has medicinal benefits. Infusions from dried leaves help alleviate colds, asthma, gum, and throat infections.
Crashing the leaves and placing them on the skin helps with cuts and insect bites.
When simmered and cooled, the leaves act as an eyewash for reducing sties.
Related: The Lamb’s Ears Plant Is It Poisonous?
Lambs Ear Side Effects
The best part about the lamb ears plant is that it leaves no side effects when consumed.
Its soft and fluffy leaves are interesting to touch and will not negatively affect the skin.
As mentioned above, the leaves help with cuts and insect bites, which means they are safe on the skin.
Given the plant’s safety, I recommend planting it in gardens accessible to children.
How To Keep Lamb Ear Healthy?
If you want to keep the leaves soft and suitable for consumption, grow the lamb ears plant in an area that does not get much sunlight.
The bright light from the sun can wash away the deep green color, and these are not the leaves you want to have in your salad.
I prefer growing it in the shade because it receives enough sunlight to grow soft leaves.
When growing the lamb ears plant, ensure the soil is not too wet. These leaves retain water for a long period.
Therefore, too much wetness can introduce diseases, making them unconducive for consumption.
Stachys Byzantina is originally from the Middle East and grows well in fast-draining soils.
In addition, the plant is drought resistant, so you will not need much water to grow it.
Spots On Leaves
If the leaves turn brown in winter or summer, prune them to tidy up the lamb ears plant.
The pruning process would facilitate the growth of new and soft leaves, ideal for consumption. When the leaves have excess water, blot them with a paper towel.
The lamb ears plant is prone to fungal infections. The plant is infected when the leaves develop white, powdery yellow, black, or brown patches.
Cut these leaves immediately to prevent the entire plant from getting infected.
The fungal infections spread easily, especially during hot weather.
Therefore, an antifungal spray is vital in growing Stachys Byzantina because it prevents the fungi from spreading.
Can Lamb Ear Grow Indoors?
You might already be excited about an additional plant whose leaves can make salads or fried greens.
The only challenge you might face is when you do not have an outside garden for growing the Lamb Ear.
The good news is that Lamb’s Ear thrives well indoors as long you expose it to sunlight.
Consider placing Stachys Byzantina on windows exposed to the sun for eight continuous hours.
Use minimal water once a week to prevent the roots from rotting because the plant does not require much water.
In addition, bottom watering prevents you from wetting the leaves, which could damage them.
Bottom Line
Keeping the plant healthy ensures you have a constant supply of edible leaves.
Ensure to pinch out rotten leaves to facilitate the growth of fresh edible leaves.
If the plant develops an issue such as fungal infections, uproot it or use an antifungal spray to keep it healthy.
Stachys Byzantina is an edible plant consumed in different ways. The choice of consumption technique depends on an individual’s cooking preferences.