The edelweiss has been used in traditional folk medicine in the Alps for centuries. Leoligin was reported as the major lignan constituent. Chemical constituents Ĭompounds of different classes, such as terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, fatty acids and polyacetylenes are reported in various parts of edelweiss plants. It grows in the end of May The plants are short lived and can be grown from seed. Leontopodium nivale is grown in gardens for its interesting inflorescence and silver foliage. The population of this species declined due to overcollection, but is now protected by laws, ex situ conservation and occurrence in national parks. Leontopodium nivale is considered a least concern species by the IUCN. Several edelweiss together with the typical growth form in the Zillertal Alps in South Tyrol. The flowers bloom between July and September. Each bloom consists of five to six small yellow clustered spikelet-florets (5 mm, 3⁄ 16 in) surrounded by fuzzy white 'petals' (technically, bracts) in a double-star formation. Flowering stalks of edelweiss can grow to a size of 3–20 centimetres (1–8 in) in the wild, or, up to 40 cm (16 in) in cultivation. The plant's leaves and flowers are covered with white hairs, and appear woolly ( tomentose). alpinum (Cass.) Greuter and Leontopodium nivale subsp. Thus, the alpine edelweiss is currently recognized as being divided into two subspecies, Leontopodium nivale subsp. In 2003, Leontopodium alpinum was re-classified as a subspecies of Leontopodium nivale. Since 1822, Leontopodium has no longer been considered part of the genus Gnaphalium, but classified alongside it as a distinct genus within the tribe Gnaphalieae. The Latin specific epithet nivale means 'white'. The scientific name Leontopodium is a latinisation of the Greek leontopódion, 'lion's paw'. Alternative names include Chatzen-Talpen ('cat's paws') and the older Wullbluomen ('wool flower,' attested in the 16th century). In Romania, it is known as floare de colț, which means 'cliffhanger's flower.' The flower is referred to as Stella Alpina in the Italian-speaking Alps and étoile des Alpes in the French Alps, meaning 'star of the Alps.' Įdelweiß was one of several regional names for the plant and achieved wide usage during the first half of the 19th century in the context of early Alpine tourism. Slovenian name is planika, meaning mountain girl. The flower's common name Edelweiß is German, and is a compound of edel 'noble' and weiß 'white'. According to folk tradition, giving this flower to a loved one is a promise of dedication. It is a national symbol, especially of Romania, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Italy. It is a scarce, short-lived flower found in remote mountain areas and has been used as a symbol for alpinism, for rugged beauty and purity associated with the Alps and Carpathians.

Its leaves and flowers are covered with dense hairs, which appear to protect the plant from cold, aridity, and ultraviolet radiation. It is non-toxic and has been used in traditional medicine as a remedy against abdominal and respiratory diseases. The plant prefers rocky limestone places at about 1,800–3,000 metres (5,900–9,800 ft) altitude. Leontopodium nivale, commonly called edelweiss ( German: Alpen-Edelweiß, English pronunciation / ˈ eɪ d əl v aɪ s/ ( listen)), is a mountain flower belonging to the daisy or sunflower family Asteraceae.

Edelweiss trainslation