The Edelweiss flower is a delicate mountain flower which is originally from the Himalayas and Siberia. Earlier botanists used to call this flower the “wool flower” which later in the 19th century was changed to Edelweiss. The flower had soon become famous in Switzerland, there were many other admirers of the flower, but Switzerland had made the flower their Swiss tourism logo. Other countries like Germany and Austria had shown interest in the flower as well.

Even though these flowers are usually associated with European alps, they are also found in the Carpathian and Pyrenees mountains.

Soon the flower gained more fame not only due its unique look but because it had become the theme song for a musical “The Sound of Music”.

Leontopodium nivale is the scientific name for what is known as the edelweiss. Other short flowering plants with thick or fuzzy petals, such as the edelweiss, belong to the Leontopodium genus. The Asteraceae family, which consists of all kinds of daisies and other multi-petaled flowers in various forms of herbs, ferns, trees, and shrubs, is the larger family of this plant. It is a part of the Sunflower and daisy family. The plant is short and often grows only 8 inches tall when it is in a wild habitat and 16 inches in cultivation.

Edelweiss Flower Meaning

Each flower has a unique symbolic meaning and significance. And like any other flower, Edelweiss also has a value of its own. This plant has a long history! It’s even been suggested that Shakespeare’s phrase about roses being able to grow on snow was inspired by this lovely little white flower with yellow centers, known as Leontopodium alpinum. This was derived from Greek for “lion foot.” The word quite literally means white and for that reason this flower is found only in the color white.

Edelweiss flower meaning is notoriety because it is grown in places where it’s difficult to reach, since people find it difficult to locate this flower they have given this meaning to it. As I mentioned earlier it is admired the most by the Germans, Swiss and the Austrians. It is also said that the flower is a sign of adventure and honor. It is meant for people who have an adventurous nature and it tells us humans to give life a chance and enjoy as much as we can. It is also a sign of honor because this flower was very popular during the Ⅱ World war and it was a great symbol for the militants who had this flower. Due to this very reason it had become the symbol of Switzerland.

What Do Edelweiss Flowers Symbolize?

Edelweiss flower meaning and symbolization is something that completes the actual flower and provides beauty to the flower. It symbolizes uniqueness, devotion and deep love. Men reap the flower on risky cliffs and perilous climbs to demonstrate love and to commemorate occasions of devotion. It is synonymous with alpine terrain, and those who live in the Alps regard it as a flower of purity.

It is considered a birth flower for the months of July, August, and September because it only grows throughout these months. Since the plant grows in areas where it is very difficult to survive this flower also symbolizes courage. Another symbolic use of this flower can be found in the Swiss army, where the highest-ranking officers are given an Edelweiss flower-shaped badge.

The symbolisation of this flower is done in literature and art as well by Berthold Auerbach in 1861 in the novel “Edelweiss”. All of these things provide the true symbol and Edelweiss flower meaning.

Edelweiss Flower Color Meaning

As I have said before, the Edelweiss word is derived from German literally means white and noble. The reason, this flower has only one color. The Edelweiss flower meaning in which the color white represents clarity, innocence, and purity. This flower is fascinating due to its nature and appearance.

The color white represents something entirely different from this flower. Edelweiss flowers grow on the highest peaks and mountains, and are associated with everything except weakness and gentleness which actually mean white.

The fragrance of this flower is light and sweet, similar to that of hyacinth flowers. Almost all the varieties have white blooms and grey to green foliage. A few have florets that are brighter or darker to contrast with the light-coloured petals.

Interesting Facts and Characteristics of the Edelweiss Flower

There are many interesting facts and characteristics of a flower, and it is the same for this flower. These facts will help you to understand the Edelweiss Flower meaning better:

  • Edelweiss flowers have many medicinal properties like they can be used in traditional folk medicine. The extract of these flowers can help in many diseases like bronchitis, heart disease, abdominal disorders, etc.
  • It is now illegal to pick these flowers in most regions where they are found.
  • The Edelweiss is a symbol of love, as well as the name of an Austrian brewery.
  • Edelweiss is used in the cosmetics industry for its anti-UV properties, and scientists have discovered that the plant also includes compounds that are useful to human skin.
  • For stomach pain, traditional herbal formulas recommend steeping the leaves and flowers in tea.

Best Time to Gift Someone Edelweiss Flowers

Edelweiss is a flower that is not something which has to have an occasion to give someone. Instead, it can be given at any time when you feel grateful or love towards someone. Originally, this flower symbolizes love and devotion.

If you know someone who has an interest in medicinal plants, this could be a good gift for those people as well. What makes the edelweiss flower so wonderful and unique is how well it can fit into any gardening space and add a unique touch to any place.

Before picking this flower for gifting it to anyone, do make sure there aren’t restrictions in the area as I have mentioned earlier, it is illegal in some areas to pick these flowers.