Alpine clubs use Edelweiss as their club symbol. Empress Elisabeth decorated her hair with the legendary edelweiss stars. As a symbol, Leontopodium nivale is omnipresent. An edelweiss encounter in the wild is of course a rarity. Can you just pick the famous alpine flower or not? Read the answer here.
Can you pick edelweiss in the wild?
Picking edelweiss (Leontopodium nivale) in the wild is strictly forbidden, as the plant is protected in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Unauthorized picking can result in fines of up to 15,000 euros.
Picking Edelweiss – where is it forbidden?
Alpine Edelweiss is distinctive and very rare. Even anyone who sees an edelweiss in the mountains for the first time will recognize the alpine beauty of the flowers straight away. From June to September, unique, white felted star flowers unfold above a basal rosette of lanceolate leaves. The probability of sighting the iconic mountain plant is considered to be a six in the alpine plant lottery. Against this background, the following statements are hardly surprising:
- Alpine edelweiss may not be picked in the wild.
- Leontopodium nivale is protected in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
- Natural edelweiss occurrences are: limestone cliffs, alpine meadows, scree meadows, rock crevices, inaccessible places.
- For those lucky enough to see an edelweiss: admiring and taking photos are allowed; picking is strictly prohibited.
- Unauthorized picking of edelweiss is punished with a fine of up to 15,000 euros.
Picking Edelweiss – where is it allowed?
Responsible edelweiss fans leave the “Star of the Alps” undisturbed in the wild. If you want to pick the protected alpine flower with a clear conscience, simply plant the distinctive natural treasure yourself. Edelweiss is an easy-care sun-lover that thrives in rock gardens, gravel beds or sunny alpinariums. At these locations it is unreservedly permitted to pick edelweiss to your heart's content.
When is the best time to pick edelweiss?
The best time to pick an Edelweiss is at lunchtime. In full sun in stony, poor soil, edelweiss displays its most beautiful flowers at this time of day. Economical watering and avoiding fertilizer in any form are beneficial for radiant star blossoms with a dazzling white shimmer. Under these conditions, the flowering period extends from June to September and invites you to pick regularly.
Tip
Drying Edelweiss
Edelweiss flowers last until winter after being picked. The shelf life is extended to several years if you dry the flower stars. Proven drying methods include: air drying, oven drying, microwave drying, silica gel, dry s alt or detergent. Final spraying with hair lacquer gives edelweiss flowers a shimmering shine and at the same time serves as long-lasting preservation.
