Alpenglöckchen, Alpentroddelblume

created by Alex&Sempi at 18.03.2025

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Description

The alpine bellflower, botanically known as Soldanella alpina, which belongs to the primrose family (Primulaceae), grows wild mainly in the Alps. In particular in the limestone Alps, which in the north and south adjoin the Central Alps, which consist primarily of granite, gneiss and slate. The plants can also be found in other limestone mountains, such as the western Pyrenees. There are also smaller occurrences in the southern Black Forest or in the Swiss Jura, which are proven to be relics from the Pleistocene ice ages. Alpine bluebells also grow in valleys, often in swampy places or places that are waterlogged or covered in snow. As soon as the snow has receded, the plants sprout very quickly. However, as the natural habitats of Soldanella alpina are in constant and severe decline due to overgrazing of alpine meadows and the increasing development, steepening and year-round use of mountain regions by hikers, mountain bikers, skiers and the like, they are considered endangered and are protected. Growth The perennial, herbaceous plant forms a bulbous, thickened rhizome underground, from which the evergreen, only a few centimeters high rosette of leaves sprouts. When in flower, the alpine bell reaches a height of around 15 centimeters. Leaves The circular to kidney-shaped, smooth-edged leaves appear leathery on the upper side. They are stalked and reach a diameter of one to three centimeters. The stems of the young leaves - also shoots - are covered with glands, older specimens are smooth. Flowers Flowers appear at the end of the upright, leafless flower stalks between April and June, or a little later in May depending on the location. The 10 to 15 millimeter long pharyngeal leaves are deeply incised so that they look like fringes. They open in a funnel shape and surround the crown in a star shape in the middle when they are closed. The stigma then tightens. Pollinators are mainly bumblebees and hoverflies. Self-pollination of the hermaphrodite flowers is also possible. Fruits Capsule fruits form on the flowers of the alpine bell, which can be carried by the wind because the calyx remains. The seeds ripen from July, but only open in dry weather.

Non hybrid

Frostproof