A perennial 40-50 cm (16-20 in), it has hairy, branched stems and deeply lobed leaves (seven or nine lobes) with serrated edges and a froth of yellowish-green flowers in late spring and throughout summer.
History and traditions
This herb was unknown to the writers of the ancient classical world, but was a popular “magic” plant in northern Europe from earliest times, rising to prominence during the middle ages for its connections with alchemy. It was also sometimes associated with the Virgin Mary and dubbed Our Lady’s mantle, subsequently shortened to lady’s mantle, the scalloped leaves supposedly resembling a sculptured cloak. It was traditionally prescribed for infertility and “women’s troubles” and was said to regulate the menstrual cycle and ease menopausal symptoms as it still is prescribed by herbalists today.
Culinary
The leaves are edible and sometimes shredded and added to salads, but their slightly bitter, undistinguished taste hardly warrants this treatment.
Related species
A alpine, another medicinal species, is lower-growing, 10-20 cm (4-8 in) with star-shaped leaves. A mollis, from the Carpathian mountains and known as “the garden variety”, is the most attractive of the three with paler green, scalloped leaves and a more luxurious show of green-yellow flowers. It is widely grown in herb gardens, but has less medicinal value.
Growth
Grows in any soil in sun or partial shade. Self-seeds prolifically but germination of seed sown artificially is erratic. The easiest way to propagate is by division in spring or autumn. Species planted together hybridize readily.
Uses
Medicinal
Has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, controls bleeding and is taken as an infusion for menstrual and menopausal problems. Applied externally for vaginal itching, as a mouthwash or lotion for sores and skin irritation.
