The national flower of Switzerland is Edelweiss, the German name for a white flower native to Switzerland. It has a long stem, ranging from 3 to 30 cm, and thrives in cold climates, naturally growing in high mountain regions above 2,000 meters. Join Xu Farm to explore the significance of the Edelweiss flower to the people of Switzerland!
What is the National Flower of Switzerland?
The national flower of Switzerland is a species called Leontopodium alpinum, commonly known as edelweiss. This mountain flower boasts yellow blossoms, surrounded by white, star-shaped fuzzy leaves.
The name “edelweiss” has its origins in the German language, possibly dating back to the 1700s. However, its widespread usage began in the mid-19th century. Thanks to a naturalist named Karl von Moll, German-speaking scientists started using the term “Edelweiss.” This name has persisted across languages and is now the popular identification for this flower. Some also refer to it as “wollblume,” which means “wool flower,” referencing its fuzzy, wool-like leaves.
Despite its delicate and graceful appearance, this flower holds a remarkable resilience. It thrives in rocky terrains and extreme climates where few other plants can survive. The Edelweiss can endure scorching temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius without needing much water and can also withstand freezing conditions, blooming even in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. It is resistant to ultraviolet rays and doesn’t require nutrient-rich soil; a rocky patch is sufficient for its growth!
Cultural Significance of Switzerland’s National Flower
The edelweiss flower first emerged as a national emblem of Switzerland in the 1800s. During this time, it gained prominence as a star in folklore, coinciding with the increasing popularity of mountaineering. As a mountain flower thriving in the high Alps, mountaineers could seek and harvest it. Popular tales narrate mountaineers collecting the edelweiss blooms to bring home to their loved ones, symbolizing courage, strength, and valor.
Over the years, the edelweiss has been used as a symbol for cultural and political movements beyond Switzerland’s borders, often associated with other European countries like Austria and Germany. Many link the edelweiss with Austrian folklore due to the renowned musical, “The Sound of Music.”
Nevertheless, within Switzerland, legends persist. Among them is the renowned Swiss folklore of a man risking his life to bring an edelweiss flower to the woman he loves. The Swiss Alpine mountaineers continue to associate the edelweiss with these rugged mountain landscapes, making it a distinctive geographical feature of Switzerland.
In the modern era, the edelweiss has become a symbol in Switzerland, aiding the Swiss in restoring their national identity during the turbulent years of the 21st century to rebuild Europe after the world wars and major conflicts.
As Switzerland’s national flower, the edelweiss appears in folk art, mainstream media, and even as the emblem for Swiss airline “Edelweiss Air,” in military insignia, and in works by Swiss artists. The edelweiss thrives as a representative of the Alps and is frequently used in Switzerland for stamps, coins, and more.
Benefits of the Edelweiss Flower
The Edelweiss flower is exceptionally rare and uniquely beautiful compared to many common flowers today. As a result, many people choose this flower to cultivate in their gardens, using it as an ornamental plant to enhance the beauty of their garden and surrounding spaces.
Additionally, the Edelweiss flower is believed to have certain medicinal properties. Traditional medicine uses it to prepare remedies for conditions related to the stomach, digestion, and respiratory tract.
Conclusion
So now you know the national flower of Switzerland and the meaning of the Edelweiss flower. In Switzerland, the image of the Edelweiss flower is ubiquitous. It decorates various things, from advertisements to dental clinics, from 5 franc coins to the insignias on Swiss military uniforms. Many organizations and international companies use the Edelweiss flower as a symbol for their reputation and brand.
[…] The Edelweiss flower is known as a symbol of purity, romance, and courage in the Alps region, highly revered by the local residents. On another note, the Edelweiss flower has been chosen as the national flower of Switzerland. […]