Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla xanthochlora): Dew-Catching Scalloped Leaves for Shade Gardens

Overview

Lady's mantle (Alchemilla xanthochlora, often sold as A. mollis) is a clump-forming perennial with distinctive, rounded, shallowly lobed, light green leaves that catch and hold dew or rain droplets like mercury beads. Frothy sprays of tiny, chartreuse-yellow flowers appear in early summer. Long valued in herbal medicine for women's health.

Botanical Details

• Family: Rosaceae (rose family)
• Genus: Alchemilla
• Species: xanthochlora
• Synonym: Alchemilla vulgaris

Culture & Uses

Part shade to full sun, moist, well-drained soil. Excellent groundcover for woodland edges, shady borders. Self-sows gently; deadhead to control. Leaves used in salads, teas; astringent properties for menstrual and menopausal support. Divide in spring or fall. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8.