Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum)

Talk about the flower edelweiss is talking about a plant that flourishes in very specific regions, so much so that it is highly protected and even its collection is prohibited.

Many of us would like to be able to enjoy it in our gardens, but the truth is that, even if that were allowed, we would have to learn to take care of a demanding plant.

Edelweiss, characteristics of a forbidden plant

Our protagonist is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, whose scientific name is Leontopodium alpinum. It is popularly known as the snow flower, or with the German word edelweiß, which in Spanish we say edelweiss. It grows in the alpine meadows, always in groups to protect itself from inclement weather.

Its height does not exceed ten centimeters, consequence of an evolution that has occurred in conditions where temperatures are temperate (no more than 20-30ºC) for much of the year, and cold to very cold in winter, as well as gusts of wind that can become strong .

And, if you are a plant that lives in these places, if you want to survive, the ideal is to stay almost at ground level, and grow in groups. In this way, you will ensure that the temperature between you and the other specimens that grow next to you is a few degrees higher than that of the environment.

The flower is very pretty. It is made up of thick, fleshy bracts covered by a fine white fluff. with green or yellowish tones.

Does it grow in Spain?

Yes, in Spain we can see it in the Natural Park of Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and also in the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. But you must remember that it is a protected plant, its collection being prohibited.

Curiosities of the snow flower

Edelweiss is a plant that has been present in culture. For instance, musician Moondog composed a song inspired by the flower, entitled "High on a Rocky Ledge."

On the other hand, in the Asterix in Helvetia comic, both Asterix and Obelix have to travel from their village to the Roman province of Helvetia, where they must find edelweiss flowers as they are the ingredient that their Druid, Panoramix, needs to prepare a cure. .

Last but not least, in Austria they consider it a national flower, so we will find your image in your 2 euro cent coin.

What did you think of this plant?