What is the national flower of Austria? Why was it chosen?

I am making a blog about flowers around the world.





Easy 10pts to whom ever can provide me with a picture link and historic details.





Thanks :)

What is the national flower of Austria? Why was it chosen?
Edelweiss as Switzerland.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Leont...


Established 1907 by the Austrian-Hungarian Army for their alpine troops, the sign with the flower was used in WWII by the Wehrmacht Gebirgsjäger
Reply:National, Native and Popular Flowers of Austria





National Flower of Austria





Edelweiss or botanically known as Leontopodium Alpinum,the Nationnal flower of Austria is one of the best-known European mountain flowers. Belonging to the sunflower family, these star-like flowers are short lived perennials and due to the beauty they posses, they are called Floarea Reginei (Queen flower).Apart from being Pictured on Austrian euro coins, the flower has been used traditionally in folk medicine as a remedy against abdominal and respiratory diseases.





Other Native and Popular Flowers of Austria


The clean air, spectacular sights, lakes, glaciers and well-tended trails and hikes contribute to the Alps allure and attract numerous tourists and visitors to Austria where the diversity of topographical and climatic conditions accounts for the species-rich flora of the country. Some special native flowers of Austria which glorify the beauty of the country are Edelweiss, Gentian, Alpine Carnation, Arnica, Alpine rose, Heather and Hyacinth.





Some other flowers found in Austria are Achillea atrata, Aconitum vulparia, Caltha palustris, Cirsium oleraceum, Crocus vernus, Albiflorus, Erica carnea, Oxytropis jacquinii, Pedicularis rostratocapitata, Polygala chamaebuxus, Primula farinosa, Rhododendron hirsutum, Saxifraga, Soldanella alpina and Valeriana supina while Roses, Carnations and being the national flower Edelweiss are very popular among the Austrians.





Facts about Austria


Bordering eight countries in the center of Europe, and mountainous in the south and west, Austria is a federal republic state with a parliamentary democracy.


The Austrian flag is one of the oldest national flag in the world. It dates from 1191, when Duke Leopold fought in the Battle of Acre during the Third Crusade.





Austria is a leading European country in the production of hydroelectric power. Other resources include timber, coal, oil, iron ore, copper, lignite, zinc, salt and graphite. Industries are construction, machinery, vehicles, communications equipment, chemicals, and paper.





Austria has the second lowest unemployment level for men in the Europe where among Europeans, Austrian people work the longest, with an average of 45 hours per week.


Austria has a strong economy with machinery, metallurgical products and textiles being of particular importance. The most important industry of the country, however, is tourism.
Reply:It is Edelweiss flower which symbolizes the duty to the environment. It is found on a coin that is worth 2 euro cents.
Reply:Eidelweiss. It is pronounced ...A del vice . (long A)


White flowers that grow abundantly on the hillsides.





There is a song that bears that name in the movie "Sound of Music".





You can find some photos at:





gateofdreams.com/eidelweiss_photos.htm
Reply:Austria's famous flower is the Edelweiss, a small white blossom that grows in the Alps. The Edelweiss was immortalized in a song by the same name in the musical and movie, The Sound of Music. Prettysharp.
Reply:Edelweiss.





Added:


Actually, the Gentian (see second link and third link.)





I've seen articles pointing to both, but most indicate the Edelweiss.
Reply:http://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/a...