Lady's Mantle
Alchemilla mollis
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A clump forming soft stemmed herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 40-60 cm high and spreads 50-75 cm wide. The leaves have a downy softness. They are rounded and grey-green. The flowers are tiny and greenish-yellow.
There are about 250-300 Alchemilla species. This one is used in medicine. The dried leaves are used in herbal infusions.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows on woodland margins. It is especially on moist soils. Plants are frost hardy. It suits hardiness zones 4-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Australia, Balkans, Bulgaria, Canada, Europe, Faroe Islands, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Mediterranean, Middle East, North America, Romania, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The sharp young leaves are added to Swiss tea blends and added in small amounts to salads.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
It self seeds freely. Plants can also be grown by division.