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Description
Leontopodium Nivale Subsp. Alpinum, commonly known as Edelweiss, is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to the European Alps, where it grows in high-altitude regions above 1,800 meters. It is a small, herbaceous plant that produces white, woolly flower heads surrounded by silvery bracts. The plant has a woody stem and can grow up to 20 cm in height.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Leontopodium |
| Species | Nivale |
| Subspecies | Alpinum |
Appearance
The Leontopodium Nivale Subsp. Alpinum plant has a distinctive appearance due to its white, woolly flower heads surrounded by silvery bracts. The plant has a woody stem and can grow up to 20 cm in height. The leaves of this plant are small and arranged in a rosette at the base of the stem. The flowers bloom from July to September and are held on long, slender stems. The woolly hairs on the flowers and leaves of the plant protect it from the harsh alpine environment.
Care Guide
To care for the Leontopodium Nivale Subsp. Alpinum plant, follow these guidelines:- Water: This plant requires moderate watering. It should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: This plant requires well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It prefers a rocky, sandy, or gravelly soil.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Leontopodium Nivale Subsp. Alpinum plant is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Additionally, it may be subject to aphids and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Leontopodium Nivale Subsp. Alpinum plant is native to the European Alps, where it grows in high-altitude regions above 1,800 meters. It prefers rocky, sandy, or gravelly soil and can tolerate extreme weather conditions, including cold temperatures, strong winds, and intense sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Leontopodium Nivale Subsp. Alpinum plant be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers, but it requires well-draining soil and should be watered moderately.
Q: Is the Leontopodium Nivale Subsp. Alpinum plant poisonous?
A: No, this plant is not poisonous and is safe for humans and pets.
Q: How often should I fertilize the Leontopodium Nivale Subsp. Alpinum plant?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the best time to plant the Leontopodium Nivale Subsp. Alpinum plant?
A: The best time to plant this plant is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Leontopodium Nivale Subsp. Alpinum:- Leontopodium Alpinum- Leontopodium Tomentosum- Leontopodium Souliei- Leontopodium Stracheyi
References
– “Leontopodium nivale subsp. alpinum.” Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://www.rbge.org.uk/plants/leontopodium-nivale-subsp-alpinum.- “Edelweiss (Leontopodium nivale subsp. alpinum).” Plant Heritage. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://www.plantheritage.org.uk/national-plant-collections/search-the-collections/leontopodium-nivale-subsp-alpinum.- “Leontopodium nivale subsp. alpinum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282506&isprofile=0&basic=leontopodium%20nivale.
