Family: Rosaceae
Author: Bab.
Bibliography: Mag. Nat. Hist. 10:25. 1842
Year: 1842
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Alchemilla
Vegetable: False
Observations: WC. Europe
Description
The Silver Lady’s-mantle, scientifically known as Alchemilla conjuncta, is an exquisite member of the Rosaceae family. Despite its modest size, this herbaceous perennial plant captivates with its distinctively beautiful foliage and delicate inflorescences, making it a cherished addition to many gardens across Western and Central Europe.
Alchemilla conjuncta is characterized by its gracefully lobed, deep-green leaves that are intricately veined and have a soft, silvery underside. This unique combination gives the plant a shimmering appearance, especially when morning dew collects on the fine hairs covering the leaves. The foliage forms a dense, low-growing clump, which provides excellent ground cover and adds a lush, green texture to its surroundings.
During the blooming season, Silver Lady’s-mantle produces clusters of small, star-shaped, yellow-green flowers that sit atop slender, slightly arching stems. These blooms appear in late spring to early summer and, although they are not particularly conspicuous, they contribute to the plant’s overall elegance and charm. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, adding an ecological benefit to its ornamental value.
Silver Lady’s-mantle is renowned for its hardiness and adaptability. It thrives in a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. This versatility makes it a popular choice for various garden settings, from borders and rock gardens to containers and mass plantings. Furthermore, its low maintenance requirements and high resistance to pests and diseases enhance its appeal to both novice and experienced gardeners.
Historically referenced in Mag. Nat. Hist. 10:25 by Bab. in 1842, Alchemilla conjuncta has a well-documented botanical heritage. Its enduring presence in cultivation is a testament to its timeless beauty and garden worthiness.
In conclusion, the Silver Lady’s-mantle, with its enchanting foliage and subtle blooms, is a remarkable plant that brings a touch of elegance to any garden. Its ease of cultivation and ecological benefits ensure it remains a favorite among plant enthusiasts and horticulturists alike.
Common Names
Deu: kalk-frauenmantel, verbundener frauenmantel
Dan: kalk-løvefod, sølv-løvefod
Eng: silver lady’s-mantle
Swe: alpkåpa
Cym: mantell-fair ariannaid
En: Silver lady’s-mantle, Silver Lady’s Mantle
Da: Kalk-løvefod, Sølv-løvefod
Fi: Hopeapoimulehti
Fr: Alchémille à folioles rejointes, Alchémille à folioles soudées
De: Kalk-Frauenmantel, Verbundener Frauenmantel, Verwachsener Frauenmantel
It: Ventaglina di Hoppe
Sv: Alpkåpa
Cy: Mantell-Fair Ariannaid
Synonyms
- Alchemilla alpina subvar. truncata ((Buser) Asch. & Graebn.)
- Alchemilla alpina subsp. conjuncta ((Bab.) E.G.Camus)
- Alchemilla alpina var. godetii (Ducommun)
- Alchemilla hoppeana subsp. conjuncta (P.Fourn.)
- Alchemilla conjuncta f. truncata (Buser)
- Alchemilla hoppeana var. conjuncta ((Bab.) Schinz & R.Keller)
- Alchemilla alpina var. conjuncta ((Bab.) Hook.f.)
Distribution
- France (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jul 8, 2019 by Kubikula Kuba (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude CALAIS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Gilbert Prado (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2017 by guyom (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3028431)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:720481-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Alchemilla conjuncta Bab.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 6
Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]
Soil nutriments: 2