Alchemilla xanthochlora aka Intermediate Lady's Mantle

Alchemilla xanthochlora is known as intermediate lady’s mantle. It belongs to the rose family, Rosaceae. This deciduous perennial grows in clumps and comes from Europe. Its native range includes Britain and Ireland. It extends from Norway south to Spain and east to Poland. Wild plants grow in damp meadows, pastures, and open woods. They also grow on rock ledges in mountain areas.

The RHS describes plants around 2 feet (0.6 metres) tall. Its garden size range reaches 3.3 feet (1 metre) in height and spread. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The kidney-shaped leaves measure about 0.16 feet (0.05 metres) across. Each leaf has nine or eleven toothed lobes. Soft hairs cover the underside of each leaf. The foliage often has a yellow-green tint. Small flowers share this yellow-green shade. They form many loose sprays on strong stems. Flowering runs from early summer through late summer.

Grow this plant in sun or part shade. It does best in rich soil that stays moist but drains well. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk soils. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Both sheltered and exposed sites can support growth. The RHS gives it a hardiness rating of H7. This rating covers severe European cold below minus 20°C. Plants lose their leaves for winter.

Use it in borders, along edges, or as ground cover. It spreads slowly when grown to cover bare soil. It also suits meadow planting and sunny woodland edges. The RHS lists rock gardens and containers among its uses. Sow seed in spring to raise new plants. Divide clumps in early spring or autumn. Cut plants back after summer flowering to prompt fresh growth. The RHS reports few pest or disease problems. PFAF does not flag it as a weed risk.

PFAF lists young leaves as edible raw or cooked. Their taste is dry and somewhat astringent. Cooked roots also have an astringent taste. Leaves have been used in tea blends and traditional herb puddings. PFAF reports no known hazards. It records herbal use for wounds, diarrhoea, and menstrual complaints. These are records of traditional use, not proof of benefit.