Species of flowering plant
Alchemilla erythropoda, the dwarf lady's mantle, is a species of flowering herbaceous perennial plant in the family Rosaceae, native to Eastern Europe. It forms a clump of hairy, palmate leaves up to 20 centimetres (7.9 in) high, with sprays of green-yellow flowers in early summer.[1] The leaves of this and its relative A. mollis are noted for being highly water-repellent.[2] It is smaller than A. mollis, however, and its leaves may develop a reddish tinge if grown in full sun.[3]
This plant is valued as groundcover in cultivation in temperate regions. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, but is prone to self-seeding.[3] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4] It grows best in full sun to partial sun conditions, and is relatively pest- and disease-free. In the US, it's suitable for hardiness zones 3–8.[5]
Because of the way water droplets collect on the leaves, medieval alchemists thought they possessed medicinal qualities, and they were used to treat women's ailments.[6]
References
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