Lady's-mantle

Taxonomic information

Common Name: Lady’s-mantle

Latin Name: Alchemilla vulgaris agg.

Family: Rosaceae

Description

Lady’s-mantle

Lady’s-mantle is a confusing species to study as it has many microspecies which are differentiated by leaf shape and the presence of hairs. In the national Species and Habitats Review 2007, three of these microspecies were added to the UK list of priority species for biodiversity action.

All microspecies have inconspicuous green flowers which lack petals, and comparatively large leaves. The species grows in the Yorkshire Dales National Park at all altitudes in unimproved grasslands, open native broadleaved woodland, and on rock-ledges. In areas with no grazing pressure they can grow to be quite large. One of the microspecies of Alchemilla vulgaris is Alchemilla minima which is the subject of a Local Species Action Plan in the National Park.

The name lady’s-mantle refers to the leaf shape which is said to resemble the mantle covering the Virgin Mary’s shoulders. One feature of the leaves is that they collect a quantity of water at night. The plant dew was used by alchemists which led to the latin name Alchemilla being given to this group of plants.