View source for Edelweiss

{{short description|Species of plant}}
{{For|the other 'Lion's foot'|Leontice leontopetalum{{!}}''Leontice leontopetalum''}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Speciesbox
| name = Edelweiss
| image = Alpen Edelweiß, Leontopodium alpinum 2.JPG
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
|status_ref=<ref>{{cite iucn|author=Khela, S.|year=2013|title=''Leontopodium alpinum''|article-number=e.T202984A2758405|doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-2.RLTS.T202984A2758405.en|access-date=25 October 2024}}</ref>
| genus = Leontopodium
| species = nivale
| authority = (Ten.) Huet ex Hand.-Mazz.c
| synonyms = ''Leontopodium alpinum'' <small>Colm. ex Cass.</small>
|synonyms_ref={{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
}}
[[File:Leontopodium nivale after three months of groth.jpg|thumb|an edelweiss in an early state of development inside of a plant pot (note the white velvet like hair hasn't yet fully grown upon its leaves yet)]]
'''''Leontopodium nivale''''', commonly called '''edelweiss''' ({{literal translation|noble white}}) ({{IPAc-en|lang|audio=en-us-edelweiss.ogg|ˈ|eɪ|d|əl|v|aɪ|s}} {{respell|AY|dəl|vyss}}; {{langx|de|Edelweiß}} {{IPA|de|ˈeːdl̩vaɪs||de-Edelweiß.ogg}} or {{lang|de|Alpen-Edelweiß}}), is a mountain flower belonging to the daisy or sunflower family [[Asteraceae]]. The plant prefers rocky limestone places at about {{convert|1,800|–|3,400|m}} altitude. It is a non-toxic plant. Its leaves and flowers are covered with dense hairs, which appear to protect the plant from cold, aridity, and ultraviolet radiation.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Vigneron|first=Jean Pol |author-link=Jean-Pol Vigneron|author2=Marie Rassart |author3=Zofia Vértesy |author4=Krisztián Kertész |author5=Michaël Sarrazin |author6=László P. Biró |author7=Damien Ertz |author8=Virginie Lousse |date=January 2005 |title= Optical structure and function of the white filamentary hair covering the edelweiss bracts |journal= Physical Review E |volume=71 |issue=1|article-number=011906|arxiv=0710.2695 |doi= 10.1103/physreve.71.011906 |pmid=15697629|bibcode=2005PhRvE..71a1906V |s2cid=36857838}}</ref> The filamentary wool (tomentum) has sub-micrometer internal structure that contributes to scattering and absorption of near-ultraviolet radiation, which is interpreted as an adaptive trait for high-altitude UV exposure.<ref>{{cite web|title=Optical structure and function of the white filamentary hair covering the edelweiss bracts|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15697629/|access-date=2025-10-18}}</ref> 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. It is a national symbol of several countries, specifically [[Bulgaria]], [[Austria]], [[Slovenia]], [[Switzerland]], and [[Italy]]. In [[Romania]] it was declared a "monument of nature" in 1931. The Edelweiss day is celebrated on 5 March. According to folk tradition, giving this flower to a loved one is a promise of dedication.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.g4media.ro/5-martie-ziua-florii-de-colt-declarata-monument-al-naturii-inca-din-1931.html|title=5 martie, Ziua florii de colț, declarată monument al naturii încă din 1931|language=ro|work=[[G4Media]]|date=5 March 2023}}</ref>

==Names==
The flower's common name {{wikt-lang|de|Edelweiß}} is [[German language|German]] (and {{lang|gsw|Edelwyss}} or {{lang|gsw|Alpe-Edelwyss}} in [[Alemannic German]]), and is a compound of {{wikt-lang|de|edel}} "noble" and {{wikt-lang|de|weiß}} "white". The [[Slovene language|Slovene]] name is {{lang|sl|planika}}, meaning mountain girl. In [[Romanian language|Romanian]], it is known as {{lang|ro|floare de colț}}, which means "cliff flower". The flower is referred to as {{lang|it|stella alpina}} in the [[Italian speaking Swiss|Italian-speaking Alps]] and {{lang|fr|étoile des Alpes}} in the [[French Alps]], meaning "[[star]] of the Alps".<ref name="Walsh1909">{{cite book |author= William Shepard Walsh |title= Handy-book of literary curiosities |url= https://archive.org/details/handybooklitera04walsgoog |access-date= 2010-08-19 |year=1909 |publisher= J.B. Lippincott Co. |pages=[https://archive.org/details/handybooklitera04walsgoog/page/n272 268]–}}</ref>

{{lang|de|Edelweiß}} 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 [[Alps#Tourism|Alpine tourism]].<ref>''Edelweiss'' reported as common name alongside ''Alpen-Ruhrkraut'' in Kittel, ''Taschenbuch der Flora Deutschlands zum bequemen Gebrauch auf botanischen Excursionen'' (1837), [https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_5Ek-AAAAcAAJ/page/n490 p. 383].</ref> Alternative names include {{lang|de|Chatzen-Talpen}} ("[[cat]]'s [[paw]]s") and the older {{lang|gmh|Wullbluomen}} ("[[wool]] flower," attested in [[Early New High German]] in the 16th century).<ref>''Schweizerisches Idiotikon'' [http://digital.idiotikon2.ch/idtkn/id16.htm#page/161997 16.1997] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213031207/http://digital.idiotikon2.ch/idtkn/id16.htm |date=2013-12-13 }}.</ref>

The scientific name ''Leontopodium'' is a [[Latinisation of names|latinisation]] of the [[Ancient Greek]] {{lang|grc-Latn|leontopódion}} ({{lang|grc|λεοντοπόδιον}}), "lion's paw"<ref>{{LSJ|le/wn|λέων}}, {{LSJ|po/dion|πόδιον}}, {{LSJ|pou/s|πούς|ref}}</ref> ([[Modern Greek]] borrows the German word). The Latin [[binomial nomenclature|specific epithet]] ''[[Wiktionary:nivale|nivale]]'' means "snow" or "snowy".<ref name= "Jaeger">{{cite book |author=Jaeger, Edmund Carroll |title=A source-book of biological names and terms |publisher=Thomas |location=Springfield, Ill |year=1959 |pages= |isbn=0-398-06179-3 |oclc= |doi= }}</ref>

==Taxonomy==
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]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2017}} In 2003, ''Leontopodium alpinum'' was re-classified as a subspecies of ''Leontopodium nivale'' (publication in Willdenowia 2003). The World Flora Online and subsequent taxonomic resources reflect this subspecific treatment: ''Leontopodium nivale'' subsp. ''alpinum'' (Cass.) Greuter and ''Leontopodium nivale'' subsp. ''nivale''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Leontopodium nivale subsp. alpinum (Cass.) Greuter|url=https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000092947|website=World Flora Online|access-date=2025-10-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Leontopodium nivale (Ten.) A.Huet ex Hand.-Mazz.|url=https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:229640-1|website=Plants of the World Online (Kew)|access-date=2025-10-18}}</ref>

==Description==
The plant's leaves and flowers are covered with white hairs, and appear woolly ([[tomentose]]). Flowering stalks of edelweiss can grow to a size of {{convert|3|–|20|cm|0}} in the wild, or, up to {{cvt|40|cm}} in cultivation. Each bloom consists of five to six small yellow [[inflorescence|clustered spikelet-florets]] ({{cvt|5|mm|disp=comma|frac=16}}) surrounded by fuzzy white "petals" (technically, [[bract]]s) in a double-star formation. The flowers bloom between July and September.

<gallery widths="125" heights="200">
File:Leontopodium alpinum Szarotka alpejska 01.jpg| Early-season version with central floret-pods not yet fully developed. Specimen found in Poland's [[Tatra Mountains]].
File:Edelweiss in cold valley.jpg| Typical mid-season appearance. Specimen found in Italy's [[Bergamo Alps]].
File:Leontopodium alpinum 280808.jpg| Late season version with "fat" appearance from flowered-out central floret-pods and from longer petal-"fuzz".<ref>NOTE: Sometimes mistaken for a different species (reference only).</ref> Specimen found in the [[Stubai Alps]].<ref>NOTE: Image courtesy of Bernd Haynold (reference only).</ref>
File:Gnaphalium leontopodium Atlas Alpenflora.jpg|Botanic illustration.
File:Leontopodium alpinum 070707.jpg|Several edelweiss together with the typical growth form in the Zillertal Alps in South Tyrol.
</gallery>

==Habitat and distribution==
''Leontopodium nivale'' prefers rocky limestone locations in the [[Alps]], [[Pyrenees Mountains]], and the [[Italian Apennines]] at about {{convert|1,800|–|3,400|m}} altitude.<ref name="bioweb uw">{{cite web|url=http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2014/wlodyga_eliz/habitat.htm |title=Leontopodium alpinum: Habitat |first=Peter |last=Tenpas |publisher=[[University of Wisconsin]] BioWeb |access-date=July 18, 2023 |archive-date=July 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718190009/http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2014/wlodyga_eliz/habitat.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

'''Range and substrate.''': The species is native to European mountains with a distribution centred on the Alps and extending westwards to the Pyrenees and eastwards into parts of the Balkans and the Apennines. Populations are typically restricted to exposed, calcareous (limestone and dolomite) scree and rocky cliffs, often on north-facing slopes where microclimate and substrate reduce competition from taller vegetation. Modern taxonomic resources (World Flora Online, Kew) map the species and its subspecies across central and southern European mountain ranges. <ref>{{cite web|title=Leontopodium nivale subsp. alpinum (Cass.) Greuter|url=https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000092947|access-date=2025-10-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Leontopodium nivale (Ten.) A.Huet ex Hand.-Mazz.|url=https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:229640-1|access-date=2025-10-18}}</ref>

'''Altitude and ecology.''': Typical elevations are approximately 1,800–3,400 m (6,000–11,000 ft), although local populations may occur slightly outside this range depending on exposure and substrate. Plants are adapted to high UV, strong winds, wide temperature fluctuations and thin soils; the woolly hairs on leaves and bracts reduce water loss and block or scatter harmful ultraviolet wavelengths. <ref name="vigneron">Vigneron et al., Phys. Rev. E (2005); arXiv:0710.2695.</ref>

==Conservation==
{{expand section|date=July 2023}}
''Leontopodium nivale'' is considered a [[Least-concern species|least concern species]] by the [[International Union for Conservation of Nature|IUCN]].<ref name="iucn">{{cite iucn |author=Khela, S. |date=2013 |title=''Leontopodium alpinum'' |volume=2013 |article-number=e.T202984A2758405 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-2.RLTS.T202984A2758405.en |access-date=13 November 2021}}</ref> The IUCN assessment notes historic population declines in places due to overcollection (for souvenirs and horticulture) and local habitat loss, but reports that the overall species is not currently at high risk of extinction across its full range. Conservation measures that have helped stabilize populations include national legal protection in some countries, establishment of protected mountain areas and national parks that encompass large habitat patches, and ex-situ conservation (botanic gardens and seed collections).<ref name="iucn"/>

'''Threats and measures.''': The main pressures recorded historically were collection from the wild and localized trampling/vegetation change from tourism and overgrazing on some sites. Because many populations are small and fragmented and occur in restricted alpine habitats, local threats can have outsized impacts; therefore many jurisdictions include edelweiss in lists of protected alpine plants or regulate collection. The IUCN recommends continued monitoring of population trends and protection of key subpopulations within well-managed protected areas; ex-situ cultivation and seed banking are employed by botanical gardens as complementary measures. <ref name="iucn"/>

==Cultivation==
{{expand section|date=July 2023}}
''Leontopodium nivale'' is grown in gardens for its interesting inflorescence and silver foliage. It grows in the end of May<ref>{{Cite book | last=Mineo | first=Baldassare | author-link=Baldassare Mineo | title=Rock garden plants: a color encyclopedia | url=https://archive.org/details/rockgardenplants00mine | url-access=limited | year=1999 | publisher=Timber Press | location=Portland, Or. | isbn=978-0-88192-432-9 | pages=[https://archive.org/details/rockgardenplants00mine/page/n150 150]}}</ref> The plants are short lived and can be grown from seed.<ref>{{Cite book | last=McVicar | first=Jekka | author-link=Jekka McVicar | title=Seeds: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Successfully from Seed | publisher=The Lyons Press | isbn=978-1-58574-874-7 | pages=[https://archive.org/details/seedsultimategui0000mcvi/page/22 22] | year=2003 | url=https://archive.org/details/seedsultimategui0000mcvi/page/22 }}</ref>

'''Growing requirements and propagation.''': Edelweiss is best cultivated in rock gardens or well-drained gritty substrates that mimic its natural calcareous scree habitat. It requires full sun, excellent drainage, and low to moderate fertility; poorly drained soils or heavy fertilization quickly reduce plant vigor and longevity. Plants are generally short-lived perennials in cultivation but can be maintained by regular sowing from seed or by lifting and dividing clumps where permitted. Propagation is most commonly by seed (cold stratification improves germination), and some horticultural varieties have been selected for compact habit or longer flowering. Because wild collection was historically a threat, responsible horticulture relies on nursery-propagated stock and seed provenance records. <ref>{{cite web|title=Leontopodium nivale (Ten.) A.Huet ex Hand.-Mazz.|url=https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:229640-1|access-date=2025-10-18}}</ref>

==Chemical constituents==
Compounds of different classes, such as [[terpenoid]]s, [[phenylpropanoid]]s, [[fatty acid]]s and [[polyacetylene]]s are reported in various parts of edelweiss plants.<ref>Tauchen, J. & Kokoska, L. Phytochem Rev (2017) 16: 295. [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11101-016-9474-0 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-016-9474-0]</ref> Leoligin was reported as the major lignan constituent and has been investigated for effects on cholesterol efflux in cell models; the principal phytochemistry has made edelweiss extracts of interest to the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. <ref>{{cite journal|title=Leoligin, the Major Lignan from Edelweiss (Leontopodium nivale subsp. alpinum), Promotes Cholesterol Efflux from THP-1 Macrophages|last=Wang|first=Limei|journal=J Nat Prod|date=2016|volume=79|issue=6|pages=1651-1657|doi=10.1021/acs.jnatprod.6b00227|pmid=27220065|doi-access=free}}</ref>

The edelweiss has been used in traditional folk medicine in the Alps for centuries. Extracts from different parts of plants have been used to treat abdominal pain, respiratory diseases, heart disease, and against diarrhea. That is why it was also known as the bellyache flower for a long time. It was also used by the mountain people as a durable flower ("eternal flower") in dry bouquets. The cosmetics industry became aware of the plant and its extracts a few years ago.<ref>Alexandra Grass "Edelweiß ist Heilpflanze des Jahres 2019 (German: Edelweiss is Medicinal Plant of the Year 2019)" In: Wiener Zeitung 24.01.2019.</ref>

==Symbolic uses==
[[File:No. 5. Dianthus silvestris, Gnaphalium leontopodium, (Edelweiss.), chromolithograph by Helga von Cramm, with hymn by F. R. Havergal, 1877.jpg|thumbnail|left|No.5, ''[[Dianthus]] silvestris'', and ''Gnaphalium leontopodium'', (Edelweiss), chromolithograph by [[Helga von Cramm]], with hymn by [[Frances Ridley Havergal|F. R. Havergal]], 1877.]]
[[File:Ignaz Lechleitner Franz Joseph I und Elisabeth vor1860 ubs G 0940 III.jpg|thumbnail|Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth]]
In the 19th century, the edelweiss became a symbol of the rugged purity of the [[Alps|Alpine region]] and of its native inhabitants.

The passion for edelweiss, which had previously been neglected, began in the middle of the 19th century. The focus is on an incident from 1856, when the [[Franz Joseph I of Austria|Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I]] went on a mountain hike to the Pasterzen Glacier on the [[Großglockner]] with his wife [[Empress Elisabeth of Austria|Sisi]]. There the emperor picked his wife an edelweiss from the steep rock with the words "The first in my life that I picked myself". The affection for edelweiss was a common feature of the famous couple and this well-known story raised people's attention to this alpine plant.<ref>Ernst Moriz Kronfeld, Das Edelweiß, Hugo Heller & Cie., Vienna 1910 - In: Georg Weindl: Die ewige Liebe zum Edelweiß. In: Almanach – 3 Zinnen Dolomiten, Nr. 50, 2019, p 68.</ref>

The plant became known as a symbol of the Austrian Empress Elisabeth. A portrait by the painter [[Franz Xaver Winterhalter]] painted in 1865 shows Empress Elisabeth with nine artificial edelweiss stars braided in her hair. The jewelry made of precious metal and diamonds was designed in the years after 1850 by the then court and chamber jeweler [[A. E. Köchert|Alexander Emanuel Köchert]].<ref>Michaela Ernst: Sisi-Stern: Das berühmteste Schmuckstück aus Österreich. In: profil. 10. April 2014.</ref>

With the rise of mountain tourism at the end of the 19th century, the edelweiss became the badge and symbol of alpinists and mountaineers. In order to prevent the extinction of the often picked symbolic species, it was placed under nature protection early on. The edelweiss was soon adopted as a symbol in the logo of numerous alpine clubs and associations. In the [[Austro-Hungarian Army]] in particular, the symbolic relationship between defiant, frugal and resilient alpine plants, and the required perseverance, agility and cutting edge of the alpine troops was recognized, emphasized, and often promoted by badges and designations. The Alpen-Edelweiss was assigned as a badge by Emperor Franz Joseph to troops (three regiments of ''[[Kaiserschützen]]'') of the Austro-Hungarian Army intended for use in the mountains. It was worn on the collar of the uniform skirt.<ref>Hermann Hinterstoisser: Das Edelweiß – Alpenblume mit Symbolkraft. In: Truppendienst, 2012, Nr. 5/329. [https://www.bundesheer.at/truppendienst/ausgaben/artikel.php?id=1438 Das Edelweiß] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417131402/https://www.bundesheer.at/truppendienst/ausgaben/artikel.php?id=1438 |date=2023-04-17 }}</ref>

In [[Berthold Auerbach]]'s novel ''Edelweiss'' (1861), the difficulty for an alpinist to acquire an edelweiss flower was exaggerated to the point of claiming: "the possession of one is a proof of unusual daring."<ref name="Auerbach1869">{{cite book|author=Berthold Auerbach|title=Edelweiss: A story|url=https://archive.org/details/edelweissastory00auergoog|year=1869|publisher=Roberts Brothers|page=[https://archive.org/details/edelweissastory00auergoog/page/n77 77]}}</ref> This idea at the time was becoming part of the popular mythology of early [[alpinism]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Chamois hunting|work=New monthly magazine and universal register|date=1853|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LkIFAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA166 |page= 166}}</ref> Auerbach's novel appeared in English translation in 1869, prefaced with a quote attributed to [[Ralph Waldo Emerson]]:
{{blockquote|There is a flower known to botanists, one of the same genus with our summer plant called "Life-Everlasting", a ''Gnaphalium'' like that, which grows on the most inaccessible cliffs of the Tyrolese mountains, where the chamois dare hardly venture, and which the hunter, tempted by its beauty, and by his love (for it is immensely valued by the Swiss maidens), climbs the cliffs to gather, and is sometimes found dead at the foot, with the flower in his hand. It is called by botanists the ''Gnaphalium leontopodium'', but by the Swiss ''Edelweisse'', which signifies ''Noble Purity''.}}

Together with the alpine [[Gentiana|gentian]], the edelweiss is also a symbol of lonely peaks and pure air in the Alps today. These plants are celebrated with songs and many souvenirs related to them are sold.<ref>Justina Schreiber. "Edelweiß und Enzian". BR Bayern 2, 25 December 2011.</ref>{{better source needed|reason=Unless an archive of the broadcast is available, this can't be verified|date=July 2021}}

===Before 1914===
[[File:Oberjäger k.k. Gebrigstruppe 1907-18.png|thumbnail|[[Kaiserjäger]] - Sergeant (''Oberjäger'')]]
* The edelweiss was established in 1907 as the sign of the [[Imperial-Royal Mountain Troops]] by Emperor [[Franz Joseph I]]. These original three Regiments wore their edelweiss on the collar of their uniform. Before 1918 there were also innumerable edelweiss badges in the Habsburg army. These include, for example, the military [[mountain guide]] award (ice ax with edelweiss and winding mountain rope), edelweiss emblems on the collar and cap or badges from alpine patrol companies. Many alpine units, commandos and soldiers proudly wore unofficial edelweiss badges.<ref name="auto">Hermann Hinterstoisser: Das Edelweiß – Alpenblume mit Symbolkraft. In: Truppendienst (Austrian Army), 2012, Nr. 5/329.</ref> 
* The edelweiss also played a role in the troop designation, which also reflected the special relationship with the mountains. In addition to the "Edelweiss Corps" ([[Imperial and Royal|k.u.k.]] XIV. Corps) of [[Archduke Joseph Ferdinand of Austria|Archduke Joseph Ferdinand]], an "Edelweiss Division" was formed in the course of the First World War. It essentially consisted of [[Kaiserjäger]] of the 3rd and 4th regiments, the Salzburg infantry regiment "Archduke Rainer" No. 59 and the Upper Austrian infantry regiment "Grand Duke of Hesse and the Rhine" No. 14. In 1915,  [[World War I]], the edelweiss was granted to the German alpine troops for their bravery.<ref name="auto"/> Today, it is still the insignia of the Austrian, French, Slovenian, [[Podhale rifles|Polish]], [[Vânători de munte|Romanian]], and German alpine troops.
* In the [[Swiss Army]], the highest ranks (brigadier general and higher) have badges in the form of edelweiss flowers, where other military branch badges would have stars.


===World Wars===
* The song ''[[:it:Stelutis alpinis|Stelutis alpinis]]'' ([[Friulian language|Friulian]] for "alpine edelweiss"), written by [[:it:Arturo Zardini|Arturo Zardini]] when he was an evacuee due to World War I, is now considered the unofficial anthem of [[Friuli]]<ref>{{in lang|it}} Screm, Alessio (April 6, 2016). "I friulani scelgono il loro inno: è "Stelutis alpinis" di Zardini" [http://messaggeroveneto.gelocal.it/tempo-libero/2016/04/06/news/i-friulani-scelgono-il-loro-inno-e-stelutis-alpinis-di-zardini-1.13249577]. [[:it:Messaggero Veneto|Messaggero Veneto]]. Retrieved 2017-03-10.</ref>
* The soldiers of the Austro-Hungarian army named a position right next to the [[Valparola Pass]] as the "Edelweiss position" during World War I.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.exploring-history.de/die-edelweissstellung-schloss-die-offene-flanke-der-oesterreicher/|title=Valparolapass: Die Edelweißstellung schloss die offene Flanke der Österreicher|date=Oct 12, 2020|access-date=Sep 17, 2022}}</ref>
* The song {{lang|de|italics=yes|[[Es war ein Edelweiss]]}} was written by [[Herms Niel]] for soldiers during World War II
* The edelweiss was a badge of the [[Edelweiss Pirates]], anti-Nazi youth groups in the [[Third Reich]], and was worn on clothes (such as a blouse or a suit).
* The edelweiss was the symbol of Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS [[Gebirgsjäger]], or mountain rangers worn as a metal pin on the left side of the mountain cap, on the band of the service dress cap, and as a patch on the right sleeve. It is still the symbol of the mountain brigade in the [[German Army]].
* The World War II Luftwaffe unit {{lang|de|[[Kampfgeschwader 51]]}} (51st Bomber Wing) was known as the Edelweiss Wing.
* Operation "Edelweiss" was a project of the US [[Office of Strategic Services]] to get information about Hitler's [[Alpine Fortress]] in 1945.

===After 1945===
* The edelweiss is worn by troops in the 1st Battalion of the United States Army's [[10th Special Forces Group (United States)|10th Special Forces Group]], who adopted the symbol under the command of [[Aaron Bank|Colonel Aaron Bank]] after it had occupied a [[Waffen-SS|Waffen SS]] officer school ([[SS-Junker Schools|Junkerschule]]) at Flint Kaserne.
* A song, "[[Edelweiss (song)|Edelweiss]]", was written for [[Rodgers and Hammerstein]]'s musical ''[[The Sound of Music]]'' (1959).
* Since 2002, the [[Austrian euro coins|Austrian]] [[2 euro cent coin]] has depicted an edelweiss. From 1959 to 2001, the one-schilling coin depicted a bunch of three flowers.
* It is the symbol of the Bulgarian Tourist Union<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.btsbg.org/|title=Български Туристически Съюз|website=Български Туристически Съюз|access-date=Sep 17, 2022}}</ref> and the Bulgarian Mountain Control and Lifeguard Service.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pss-bg.bg/|title=Начална страница|website=www.pss-bg.bg|access-date=Sep 17, 2022}}</ref>
* It is also the symbol of the Swiss national tourism organisation.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.myswitzerland.com/en.cfm/home |title=Vacation, Travel, Meetings - Typically Swiss - Switzerland Tourism |date=Aug 26, 2009 |website= |access-date=Sep 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826151448/http://www.myswitzerland.com/en.cfm/home |archive-date=26 August 2009 }}</ref>
* It is featured on the Romanian fifty-lei note.
* An Austrian brand of beer is ''Edelweiß''.
* The edelweiss is used in the logotypes of several [[alpine club]]s such as the ''Deutscher Alpenverein'' ([[German Alpine Club]]), the ''Österreichischer Alpenverein'' ([[Austrian Alpine Club]]), the Societá Alpina Friulana (Friulian Alpine Club<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.alpinafriulana.it/cultura/il-nuovo-logo-della-saf-evoluzione-di-un-simbolo/|title=IL NUOVO LOGO DELLA SAF: EVOLUZIONE DI UN SIMBOLO – Societa Alpina Friulana|website=/www.alpinafriulana.it|access-date=Sep 17, 2022}}</ref>)  or the ''Alpenverein Südtirol'' ([[South Tyrol Alpine Club]]). The edelweiss is also used in the logotype of the [[Union of International Mountain Leader Associations]] (UIMLA).
* The ''Südtiroler Volkspartei'' ([[South Tyrolean People's Party]]) uses the flower as its logo.
* In ''[[Asterix in Switzerland]]'' (1970), the plot is driven by a quest to find edelweiss in the Swiss mountains and bring a bloom back to Gaul to cure a poisoned Roman quaestor.
* [[Edelweiss Air]], an international airline based in Switzerland, is named after the flower, which also appears in its logo.
* The musician [[Moondog]] composed the song "High on a Rocky Ledge", inspired by the Edelweiss flower.
* "Bring me Edelweiss" is the best-known song of the music group [[Edelweiss (band)|Edelweiss]].
* Polish professional ice hockey team [[Podhale Nowy Targ|MMKS Podhale Nowy Targ]] uses an edelweiss as its emblem.
* [[Edelweiss Lodge and Resort]] is a military resort located in Garmisch, Germany.
* The song La Belle Fleur Sauvage by [[Lord Huron]] has lyrics inspired by the tradition of presenting a loved one with an edelweiss.
* In the 7th instalment of the [[Dark Parables]] franchise, the ''Snow Edelweiss'' flower is revealed to be the flower associated with the Snow Queen, Snow White, the counterpart to her fraternal twin brother, Prince Ross Red of the Fiery [[Rose|Rosa]] flower.
* In HBO's 2001 mini series ''[[Band of Brothers (miniseries)|Band of Brothers]]'', edelweiss is found on a dead German soldier's uniform. When asked about this, [[Lewis Nixon III|Captain Lewis Nixon]] replied, "That's edelweiss. It grows in the mountains, above the treeline. Which means he climbed up there to get it. Supposed to be the mark of a true soldier."
*In the tactical RPG, Valkyria Chronicles, the team names their tank "The Edelweiss" as a symbol of perseverance against their enemy.
*In the Korean drama [[Crash Landing on You]], Ri Jyeong Hyuk gives Yoon Se-ri a potted edelweiss. He later asks her to meet him "where the edelweiss grows", referring to the [[Jungfrauregion|Jungfrau region]] where they later meet again.
*Edelweiss is used as a symbol by [[10th Mountain Assault Brigade (Ukraine)|10th Mountain Assault Brigade]] of the [[Armed Forces of Ukraine|Ukrainian Armed Forces]]. In February 2023 the brigade was granted the honorific "Edelweiss" by President [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]].<ref>[https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/02/14/7389369/ Zelenskyy awards special honourable title to the 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade], [[Ukrainska Pravda]] (14 February 2023)</ref>
*After Lithuania regained its independence, children of German descent living in Lithuania formed the Edelweiss community, later renamed the Edelweiss-Wolfskinder ([[Wolf children]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vilkovaikai.lt/ivadiniai-tekstai/vilko-vaikai/|title = Vilko vaikai}}</ref>
* "Tiroler Edelweiss" is a song by California [[black metal]] band [[Minenwerfer (band)|Minenwerfer]] from their 2019 album ''Alpenpässe'' recounting the [[Italian front (World War I)|Alpine theater of World War I]].

===Gallery===
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<gallery widths="80px" heights="80px" caption="Some symbolic use from ancient times to the present">
File:Eisernes-Edelweiss.jpg| [[First World War|World War One]]-era [[Nail Men|nail-fundraiser monument]]: the ''Iron Edelweiss'' of [[Enns (city)|Enns]], Austria.
File:Abzeichen Grüntentag 1963.jpg| 1963 German mountain sport pin.
File:Leontopodium-alpinum04.jpg| [[German Alpine Club]] logo pin.<ref>NOTE: '''DAV''' on this pin means '''''D'''eutscher '''A'''lpen'''v'''erein'' not ''[[Disabled American Veterans]]'' for which such pins may be confused (reference only).</ref>
File:50 lei. Romania, 2005 a.jpg| On a Romanian [[fifty lei]] note.
File:Uimla.gif| Logo of the [[Union of International Mountain Leader Associations]].
File:Hrvatska gorska sluzba spasavanja logo 0110 1.jpg|Logo of [[Croatian Mountain Rescue Service]]
File:ZRHEdelweiss.jpg| [[Aircraft livery]] of [[Edelweiss Air]].
File:ЦМ ВОВ. Кабина Ju-88 (Германия).jpg| Nazi-era [[nose art]] on a bomber from the [[Kampfgeschwader 51|"Edelweiss Wing" (KG 51)]].
File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-402-0265-03A, Flugzeug Junkers Ju 88, Startvorbereitung.jpg| Nazi-era photo with KG 51 insignia on a [[Junkers Ju 88|Ju 88]] bomber.
File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-340-0175-20A, Im Westen, Geschwader--Staffelabzeichen.jpg| 1939 Nazi-era aircraft nose art.
File:Ciecm.JPG| French mountain troops school emblem.<ref>NOTE: '''CIECM''' meaning '''''C'''entre d' '''I'''nstruction et d' '''E'''ntraînement au '''C'''ombat en '''M'''ontagne'' (reference only).</ref>
File:LogoRMSV.tif| Logo of German sports association [[:de:RMSV Edelweiss Aach|RMSV]].
File:Edelweiss-Auszeichnung 3 Sterne.png| Rank insignia in the Swiss postal service.
File:Grenzschutzbergführer.JPG| [[German Federal Police]] rank insignia <!--''Grenzschutzbergführer''--> patch.
File:Emblema Vânătorilor de Munte.jpg| Patch used by [[Vânători de munte|Vânatori de munte]] (The elite mountain troops of the Romanian Land Forces)
File:Stamp of Kyrgyzstan 034.jpg| [[Kyrgyzstan|Kyrgyz]] postage stamp from 1994.
File:Swiss-Commemorative-Coin-2004b-CHF-20-obverse.png| On 2004 Swiss coin.
File:100 CHF 1925 681736.png| On 1925 [[Vreneli|gold 100 Swiss francs coin]].
File:Coin of Kazakhstan 500-Edelveis-rev.jpg| [[Kazakhstan]] 500 tenge coin.
File:CHE OF9 General.svg| Four-"Star" rank insignia of the top [[General (Switzerland)|Swiss general]].
File:2. JaboG 34.png| West/German military [[:de:Jagdbombergeschwader 34|''"Allgäu"'' fighter/bomber group]], 1958–2003.
File:Gebirgsjägerbrigade 23 (Bundeswehr).svg|West/German military 23<sup>rd</sup> [[Gebirgsjäger|mountain rifles troops]] emblem.
File:Szarotka.png|Insignia of the Polish Army [[Podhale Rifles]].
File:Szarotka 21BSP0.svg|Insignia of the Polish Army [[Podhale Rifles|21<sup>st</sup> Podhale Rifles Brigade]].
File:17osn Edelweiss.jpg| Russian military [[:ru:17-й отряд специального назначения внутренних войск «Эдельвейс»|17 ОСН "Edelweiss"]] emblem.
File:Blason Vaujany.svg| Arms of [[Vaujany]], France.
File:Wappen at au.png| Arms of [[Au, Vorarlberg|Au]], Austria.
File:Actual Brașov county CoA.png| Arms of the county of [[Brașov County|Brașov]], Romania.
File:Dramsha gerb.jpg| Arms of [[Dramsha]], Bulgaria.
File:Blason de la ville de Bonnefamille (Isère).svg| Arms of Bonnefamille, France.
File:Blason ville fr Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie).svg| Arms of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France.
File:Blason vile fr Les Carroz d'Arâches.svg| Arms of Carroz d'Arâches, France.
File:Wappen Eisenaerzt.png| Arms of Eisenärzt, Germany.
File:Edelweiss Biertender.jpg| Logo of Edelweiss Beer.
File:Ulrich Wille.jpg| General's "star" on the saddle of World War I-era Swiss commander [[Ulrich Wille]].
File:Engelbert Dollfuss.png| On the hat and collar circa 1933 of Austria's [[Engelbert Dollfuss]].
File:CohMont1.jpg| [[Roman Empire|Imperial Roman]] tombstone found in Austria of soldier Marius, son of Ructinus.
File:Farm Edelweiss in Namibia Bird Eye View.jpg|Bird's eye view of farm Edelweiss 11 km west of [[Stampriet]] / [[Namibia]]
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[Flora of the Alps]]
* [[Golden age of alpinism]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category-inline}}

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[[Category:Leontopodium|nivale]]
[[Category:Flora of Europe]]
[[Category:Alpine flora]]
[[Category:Flora of the Alps]]
[[Category:Subshrubs]]
[[Category:Taxobox binomials not recognized by IUCN]]
[[Category:Flora of the Carpathians]]
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