Description
Leaves and flowers are covered with white hairs and appear woolly (tomentose). Flowering stalks of Edelweiss can grow to a size of 3–20 cm (in cultivation, up to 40 cm). Each bloom consists of five to six small yellow clustered spikelet-florets (5 mm) surrounded by fuzzy white "petals" (technically, bracts) in a double star formation. The flowers bloom between July and September.
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Early-season version with central floret-pods not yet fully developed. Specimen found in Poland's Tatra Mountains.
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Typical mid-season appearance. Specimen found in Italy's Bergamo Alps.
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Late season version with "fat" appearance from flowered-out central floret-pods and from longer petal-"fuzz". Specimen found in the Stubai Alps.
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Botanic illustration.
Read more about this topic: Leontopodium Alpinum
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