Special Group Tours are now available
Zone: Inner Walkway (The Kitchen Pharmacy)
Season of Interest: Late Spring to Early Autumn (May – September)
In Dr. Woodward’s practice, Lamb's Ear was often referred to as "Woundwort." Its utility in 19th-century medicine was purely practical:
The Living Bandage: The soft, absorbent leaves were used as natural bandages for cuts and scrapes. They are exceptionally effective at absorbing blood and promoting clotting.
Antiseptic Properties: Beyond just being a cover, the leaves contain natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds that helped prevent infection in an era before modern antibiotics.
Bee Sting Remedy: Crushing a leaf and rubbing it on a bee sting or insect bite was a common way to quickly reduce swelling and pain.
For the Woodward family, Lamb's Ear was a multipurpose tool around the home:
Natural "Cotton" Pads: The leaves were often used as a soft, disposable material for cleaning wounds or even as a rudimentary form of feminine hygiene.
Sensory Garden Staple: Its unique "woolly" texture made it a favorite for children on the farm, often planted near walkways where it would be brushed against or touched.
Drought Resilience: Once established, it is incredibly tough, thriving in the dry, rocky soils often found along the edges of Connecticut farmsteads.
Form: A low-growing, spreading perennial that creates a dense, silvery-gray carpet.
Foliage: The most striking feature is the leaves—thick, tongue-shaped, and covered in a dense layer of silver-white silken hairs. This "wool" is actually a defense mechanism to help the plant retain moisture.
Flowers: In mid-summer, it sends up tall, fuzzy spikes with tiny, inconspicuous purple flowers. However, many 19th-century gardeners would shear these off to keep the focus on the beautiful foliage.