Genus: Alchemilla

Common Names: lady's mantle

A genus of around 700 species of which several are commonly cultivated. A. mollis has received an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society for its ornamental value in the garden and acouple of species have been used for centuries in traditional medicines.

Distribution: generally cool, temperate or subarctic regions of Europe and Asia and mountain ranges in Africa and the Americas

Alchemilla mollis

Common name(s): lady's mantle

Description: perennial; forms a low mound of attractive scallop-edged leaves that are adapted to retain small beads of water.  Chartreuse-yellow flowers in early summer. Historically popular as a groundcover in cottage gardens.

Height: to 18 in. Spread: to 30 in.

Position: partial to full shade and well-draining soil

Uses: medicine, to dye wool green, ornamental-as a groundcover

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below