Leontopodium alpinum (Edelweiss)

Mature Height: 6-12”

Mature Spread: 6-12”

Hardy To: 9,000’

Water: Low

Exposure: Filtered Shade

Flower Color: Silvery-White

Flower Season: Early Summer

Resistant To: Deer

Description: Compact cushions of woolly, gray foliage produce tiny, button-like flowers nestled in attractive star-shaped collars made up of linear, silver-white, downy floral leaves. Edelweiss is a well-known mountain flower native to Europe, and it is celebrated as a symbol of Austria, Switzerland, and the alpine. Found in rocky limestone outcroppings, it is well adapted to climatic extremes. The felt-like covering of its leaves and its deep fibrous roots protect it from damage caused by drought, cold, aridity, and UV rays, and al- low Edelweiss to sprout new growth in the spring. It will sometimes self-seed when happy, it enjoys the snow, and it is deer resistant and drought tolerant. In folklore, giving this flower to a loved one was a gesture of dedication. Edelweiss can be cut and/or dried. Care: Edelweiss needs very little maintenance and care. No prun- ing required. Be sure to put it in a location with good drainage. It

is not an especially long-lived plant, but it can be propagated by division every couple of years. Happy plants may self-seed.

Fun Fact: Edelweiss was used traditionally in folk medicine as a remedy against abdominal and respiratory diseases.