What Lamb's Ear (Stachys) looks like
Soft, fuzzy, silver-gray leaves that feel like velvet. Sometimes planted intentionally but spreads aggressively via runners.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Best approach: Hand-pull or dig
Digging is the best approach since lamb's ear is often near desirable plants where you can't spray. Remove the entire root clump and runners. Some gardeners consider it desirable — only remove if it's unwanted.
Tools that make pulling Lamb's Ear (Stachys) easier
Lamb's Ear (Stachys) grows back unless you get the whole root — these pull it out cleanly, root and all, no chemicals needed.
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Fiskars Stand-Up Weed Puller
Beginner friendlyRemoving taprooted weeds root-and-all — dandelion, plantain, thistle, dock — without bending, kneeling, or chemicals
Grampa's Weeder Original Stand Up Weed Puller
Beginner friendlyPulling dandelions, plantain, thistle and other taprooted lawn weeds root-and-all — no bending, kneeling, or chemicals
Nisaku NJP650 Hori Hori Weeding Knife
Beginner friendlyDigging out the weeds a claw puller can't grab — creeping rosettes, clumps, and roots that regrow from any fragment left behind
When to treat Lamb's Ear (Stachys)
Spray in spring or fall when temperatures are 60–80°F and the weed is actively growing. Avoid summer heat — stressed grass takes collateral damage.
Non-chemical management
Dig out clumps including runners. Edge beds with a physical barrier to contain spread.
How to stop Lamb's Ear (Stachys) coming back
Install root barriers around plantings. Divide clumps annually to control spread.
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What does Lamb's Ear (Stachys) look like?
Soft, fuzzy, silver-gray leaves that feel like velvet. Sometimes planted intentionally but spreads aggressively via runners.
What's the best way to kill Lamb's Ear (Stachys)?
Hand-pull or dig. Digging is the best approach since lamb's ear is often near desirable plants where you can't spray. Remove the entire root clump and runners. Some gardeners consider it desirable — only remove if it's unwanted.
Is Lamb's Ear (Stachys) hard to get rid of?
Lamb's Ear (Stachys) is rated moderate to control. Consistent treatment over a season usually does the job.
How do I stop Lamb's Ear (Stachys) coming back?
Install root barriers around plantings. Divide clumps annually to control spread.
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