A small alpine herb of the Eurasian high mountains with white woolly star-shaped bracts, a national symbol of Austria and Switzerland.
Description
Edelweiss forms a low cushion of grey-green woolly leaves. Its flowers are clusters of small yellow florets surrounded by petal-like white bracts coated in dense hair that look like felt stars.
Cultivation
A true mountain plant, edelweiss needs gritty alkaline soil, full sun, and sharp drainage. It is short-lived but reseeds in rock gardens that mimic alpine scree.
Uses
A symbol of mountain love and courage, edelweiss is featured in songs, coins, and military insignia in Alpine countries. Extracts are sold in modern skincare for antioxidant claims.
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Edelweiss starts with E and ends with S. Browse other plants along the same letter.
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