Here we’ll take you through everything you need to know about Edelweiss flower meaning, their rich symbolism, history, and origins, in addition to the most popular types, uses, and suitable gifting occasions.
The unique furry petals and leaves of the Edelweiss hint at its romantic meaning, but it’s the white color that gives it the symbolism of purity and innocence.
The correct scientific name for what is commonly called the edelweiss is Leontopodium nivale. The Leontopodium genus includes other short flowering plants that feature thick or fuzzy petals like the edelweiss.
The plant is short, growing only 8 inches tall in the wild and 16 inches in cultivation. The leaves are small and fuzzy, but the mature white petals of the flower are particularly wool-like.
Most unimproved Edelweiss plants bloom July to September, especially in their native ranges. Improved cultivars can bloom a little earlier in the year, as early as May to extend the season quite a bit.
Aside from being a symbolic flower of great value, Edelweiss also has a history of herbal medicine use. Today it is extracted for use in anti-aging serums and cosmetic treatments to soothe skin.