Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) seeds

The white, unmistakable blossoms (or rather flower heads, as they are not true blossoms but special forms of inflorescences) of the alpine Edelweiß are certainly one of the most emblematic plant symbols in Europe, and its reputation has been equally promoted by romantic nature poetry and cheesy movies. As a wild plant, it has become enormously rare due to its popularity and wild picking by alpine tourism. It has been put on the red list of endangered species as one of the first plants in Germany, and collecting it is strictly prohibited.

Therefore, if you want to make use of the curative effects of the Edelweiß, which can be used to relieve stomach pains, you must grow it yourself. Larger cultures are found, for example, in Switzerland, where it is used as an ingredient in herbal liquor and liqueurs. It is a good plant for rockeries and attracts many different insects with its fragrance.