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Alchemilla erythropoda

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Alchemilla erythropoda
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Alchemilla
Species:
A. erythropoda
Binomial name
Alchemilla erythropoda

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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  1. ^ "Alchemilla Erythropoda from Burncoose Nurseries". www.burncoose.co.uk. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  2. ^ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
  3. ^ a b "Alchemilla erythropoda". BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  4. ^ "Alchemilla erythropoda AGM". RHS Plant Finder. Royal Horticultural Society. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  5. ^ "Alchemilla erythropoda (Dwarf Lady's Mantle)". Gardenia.net. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  6. ^ "Alchemilla erythropoda". Dorset Perennials. Retrieved 2021-05-18.