Lady's mantle, named after the Virgin Mary's cloak because of its scalloped leaves, originates in the eastern Carpathian Mountains in eastern Europe. Plants are low, less than 1½′ (45 cm) in height, with a width of
1½-2½′ (45-76 cm). It is often used as a ground cover.
Raindrops ball up on the velvety leaves. The name of this genus, Alchemilla, derives from the alchemists'
belief that the mercury-like balls of water on these leaves was the purest form of water. They used this water
in their attempts to turn base metals into gold.
Identification: This plant forms small mounds of scallop-edged slightly bluish leaves,
with 9-11
rounded lobes edged with small sharp teeth. (The leaves look a bit like hardy geraniums.)
The blooms are small and chartreuse in color. Depending upon
who you ask, Alchemilla vulgaris is either a closely similar species, or the same plant.
Edibility: Cattle and sheep relish this plant, and the leaves and root are said to be edible
to people as well.