Alchemilla mollis

Alchemilla mollis, commonly known as lady's mantle, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the genus Alchemilla within the rose family, Rosaceae. This genus comprises approximately 300 species, many of which are cultivated for ornamental purposes in gardens.12

Lady's mantles are characterized by their clump-forming growth habit and spreading rhizomes. Their basal leaves are notable for being covered in fine hairs, often lobed with toothed margins, and possessing a highly water-repellent quality. The plant produces small, petal-less flowers that are typically yellow to chartreuse in color and arranged in modest inflorescences.1

Alchemilla mollis is a widely distributed species found in Eurasia and has been introduced to North America as an ornamental plant. It thrives in grasslands and rocky soils, growing up to 60 cm (2 feet) in height. Its broad leaves are borne on long stalks and have shallow, rounded lobes with toothed edges. Historically, some species of lady's mantle have been used in herbal remedies. The genus name Alchemilla may derive from a medieval belief in its efficacy in alchemy.13