Zone: Inner Walkway (The Kitchen Pharmacy)

Season of Interest: Late Spring to Early Autumn (May – September)

The Doctor’s Notes (Medicinal Use)

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.

The Household Assistant (Homestead Use)

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.

Botanist’s Corner

• 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.