broadleaf weed · perennial

How to Kill Lamb's Ear (Stachys)

Stachys byzantina

Hand-pull or digmoderate to controlIn flower beds

What Lamb's Ear (Stachys) looks like

Soft, fuzzy, silver-gray leaves that feel like velvet. Sometimes planted intentionally but spreads aggressively via runners.

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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.

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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FAQ

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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