Legend of Edelweiss
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Edelweiss, often called the snow flower, is a perennial member of the daisy family (Asteraceae) that grows in alpine meadows and rocky mountain habitats. Its flowering stems are generally 5–25 cm tall. The familiar white star consists of woolly bracts surrounding small, yellowish flower heads; the bracts are not petals.
The scientific name for Edelweiss is Leontopodium alpinum. It is often called the national flower of Austria, but it is more accurately described as a traditional Alpine symbol. It appears on Austria’s two-euro-cent coin; that alone does not establish an official national-flower designation. Wild edelweiss grows in high mountains and has suffered excessive collecting in some areas. Picking it is restricted or prohibited in various protected locations, depending on local regulations. Never remove wild plants; read about other species in danger of extinction.
Here is a traditional story about edelweiss.
According to this folk tale, a young man fell in love with a woman named Edelweiss. Her white hair, gray eyes and gentle features reminded him of snow on the high peaks.
One day, he took her hands and confessed his feelings.
“My beloved, I could no longer keep silent. I think of you day and night. No storm could weaken my love, and not even the snow on the highest mountains could extinguish the fire in my heart.”
Surprised and flattered, she gently withdrew her hands, looked into his face and answered with a tender smile.
“Your words are beautiful,” she said, “but should a declaration of love not be accompanied by a brave deed?”
He looked at her in astonishment, then promised to do whatever she asked.
“Tell me what you wish, Edelweiss, and I will try to bring it to you,” he said.
“Then listen carefully,” she replied. “They say a star once fell to Earth and became a rare flower high among the ice and snow. If you truly love me, find that flower and bring it back. Without it, you cannot win my heart.”
The young man turned pale at the challenge, then clenched his fists and swore:
“For your love, Edelweiss, I will bring you that flower.”
He set off toward the mountains, determined to keep his promise.
Many days passed, but he never returned. Edelweiss smiled by day, yet each night she wept in secret and prayed for his return.
Consumed by grief, she shut herself indoors and gazed toward the distant peaks. One bitter winter night, the villagers said, she went out into the snow searching for him, calling his name until her voice failed. She was never seen again.
In the legend, the mountain flower bears her name and symbolizes a love that endured even in tragedy. This is a folk story, not a historical explanation of the plant’s name.
This sorrowful love story brings the legend to a close. If you enjoyed it, share it with friends. If you wish to grow edelweiss, choose legally propagated nursery plants rather than collecting wild specimens.
Decorations inspired by edelweiss are another way to appreciate its distinctive shape. Growing the real plant is best attempted in cool conditions with sun and sharply drained, mineral-rich soil, as in a rock garden.
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