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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Young leaves - raw or cooked[1][2]. A dry, somewhat astringent flavour[K]. They can be mixed with the leaves of Polygonum bistorta and Polygonum persicaria then used in making a bitter herb pudding called 'Easter ledger' which is eaten during Lent[3][4].

Root - cooked. An astringent taste[5].

The leaves are used commercially in the blending of tea[2].

Leaves

Material uses

A useful ground cover plant, though somewhat slow to spread[6].
There are no material uses listed for Alchemilla xanthochlora.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Lady's mantle has a long history of herbal use, mainly as an external treatment for cuts and wounds, and internally in the treatment of diarrhoea and a number of women's ailments, especially menstrual problems[7][8].

The herb is alterative, antirheumatic, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, sedative, styptic, tonic and vulnerary[5][2][7][9][10][11]. The leaves and flowering stems are best harvested as the plant comes into flower and can then be dried for later use[5]. The fresh root has similar and perhaps stronger properties to the leaves, but is less often used[5].

The plant is rich in tannin and so is an effective astringent and styptic, commonly used both internally and externally in the treatment of wounds[5]. It helps stop vaginal discharge and is also used as a treatment for excessive menstruation and to heal lesions after pregnancy[5][8]. Prolonged use can ease the discomfort of the menopause and excessive menstruation[12]. The freshly pressed juice is used to help heal skin troubles such as acne and a weak decoction of the plant has been used in the treatment of conjunctivitis[8].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 3 - 4 weeks at 16°c[13]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on a cold frame for their first winter, planting out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. The divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, though we find it best to pot them up and keep them in a sheltered position until they are growing away well.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Alchemilla xanthochlora. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Easily grown in ordinary soil in sun or part shade[14][15]. Prefers a well-drained neutral or basic soil[14][16]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in dry shade[17].

An aggregate species that includes A. mollis and A. speciosa[14]. This plant is listed as A. xanthochlora. Rothm. in 'Flora Europaea'[18].

Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[15].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Alchemilla xanthochlora. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Alchemilla xanthochlora.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Alchemilla xanthochlora
Genus
Alchemilla
Family
Rosaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Mabey. R. Food for Free. Collins ISBN 0-00-219060-5 (1974-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.4 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.55.65.7 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Royal Horticultural Society. Ground Cover Plants. Cassells. ISBN 0-304-31089-1 (1989-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.2 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.3 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (1990-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.1 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
    12. ? 12.012.1 Stuart. M. (Editor) The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism Orbis Publishing. London. ISBN 0-85613-067-2 (1979-00-00)
    13. ? Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 1. Thompson and Morgan. (1987-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.114.2 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.1 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
    16. ? 16.016.1 Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)
    17. ? Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-86318-386-7 (1990-00-00)
    18. ? ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press (1964-00-00)

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