or LADIES-MANTLE, a genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the tetrandria class of plants. Of this genus there are three Species. 1. The vulgaris, or common ladies-mantle, with leaves plaited like a fan, and yellowish-green blossoms. It grows naturally in pasture-lands in this as well as in most other countries in Europe. The leaves discover to the taste a moderate astringency; and were formerly much esteemed in some female weaknesses, and in fluxes of the belly. They are now rarely used at all, though both the leaves and roots might doubtless be of service in cases where mild astringents are required. In the province of Smolandia in Gothland, they make a tincture of the leaves, and give it in spasmodic or convulsive diseases. Horses, sheep, and goats, eat it; cows are not fond of it; swine refuse it.—2. The alpina, or cinquefoil ladies-mantle, with finger-shaped sawed leaves, and greenish blossoms. It is a native of the mountainous parts of Europe. Goats and cows eat it; horses, sheep, and swine, refuse it.—3. The minor, or least ladies-mantle, with five smooth leaves growing at a joint and cut into many segments. It grows naturally in Sweden, Lapland, and other cold countries. Eaten by cows and goats; refused by horses, sheep, and swine.

Culture. These plants have perennial roots, and annual stalks. They are easily propagated by parting of their roots, or sowing their seeds in autumn. They should have a moist soil and shady situation, and be kept clean from weeds; which is all the culture they require.