Botanical Name of Lady's Mantle: Alchemilla vulgaris and Alchemilla mollis The family name Alchemilla stems from the word 'alchemy', and refers to the belief in medieval times that water droplets forming on the lady's mantle leaves could turn base metals to gold. Alchemists believed that these drops had a mysterious and magical power that in addition to transforming common metals into gold could also be used in regaining youth. Other Common Names: Dew-cup, our lady's mantle, lion's foot, bear's foot, nine hooks, Frauenmantel (German), maríustakkur (Icelandic), almindelig løvefod (Danish), pied de leonis (French). Habitat: Alchemilla vulgaris is widespread in Britain