Alpine balsam (Erinus alpinus, Sp. Pl.: 630 (1753))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 630 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Erinus

Vegetable: False

Observations: SC. Europe to WC. Medit.

Description

Alpine balsam, scientifically known as Erinus alpinus, is a fascinating and resilient plant that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. This charming perennial is native to the subalpine and alpine regions ranging from Southern Central Europe to the Western Mediterranean. It was first officially documented and named by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in his work “Species Plantarum” in 1753.

Erinus alpinus is well-regarded for its ability to thrive in rocky and mountainous environments. It typically grows to a modest height of about 10 to 20 centimeters, making it a favorite among gardeners and horticulturists who create rock gardens or cultivate alpine collections. The plant forms low tufts or mats, which not only add visual interest but also help to stabilize the soil in its natural rugged habitats.

One of the most appealing features of Alpine balsam is its charming flowers. These blossoms, which appear in late spring to early summer, are usually small but numerous, creating a vibrant display. The flowers are typically a delicate shade of pink or violet, though variations in color can occur. Each flower is tubular with a corolla that flares out into five lobes, offering a subtle beauty that can captivate any observer.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Erinus alpinus is also interesting from a botanical perspective due to its adaptability and resilience. It can grow in well-drained, poor soils where few other plants can survive, and it is often found clinging to cliffs, crevices, and rocky outcrops. These characteristics make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of the alpine to their home landscapes.

Overall, Alpine balsam is a delightful plant that combines rugged endurance with delicate beauty. Its presence can transform rocky terrains into colorful tapestries, illustrating nature’s capacity for resilience and grace. Whether in a natural alpine setting or a thoughtfully designed garden, Erinus alpinus continues to charm and inspire all who encounter it.

Common Names

Deu: alpen-steinbalsam
Eng: fairy foxglove, alpine balsam, fairy-foxglove, liver balsam
Swe: leverört
Cym: clychau’r tylwyth teg
En: Alpine balsam, Liver balsam, Fairy-foxglove, Fairy Foxglove
Ca: Erinus
Fi: Erinus
Fr: Érine des Alpes, Mandeline des Alpes
De: Alpenbalsam, Alpen-Steinbalsam, Leberbalsam, Steinbalsam
It: Erinus
Pl: Erynus alpejski
Pt-br: Bálsamo-dos-Andes
Es: Siempreniña
Sv: Leverört
Cy: Clychau‘r tylwyth teg, Clychau’r Tylwyth Teg

Synonyms

• Erinus alpinus var. hirsutus (Gren.)
• Erinus alpinus var. parviflorus ((Pau) Pau)
• Erinus alpinus var. secundiflorus (DC.)
• Erinus alpinus var. orientalis (Pau)
• Erinus alpinus var. glabratus (Lange)
• Erinus alpinus var. rotundifolius (Pau)
• Erinus alpinus var. atlanticus (Batt.)
• Erinus alpinus f. verus (Pau)
• Erinus alpinus var. typicus (Lange)
• Erinus alpinus var. gracilis (Vayr.)
• Erinus alpinus var. villosus (Lange)
• Erinus alpinus subsp. hispanicus ((Pers.) Pau)
• Dortiguea alpestris (Bubani)
• Erinus alpinus var. hispanicus ((Pers.) Pau)
• Erinus alpinus var. occidentalis (Pau ex Cámara)
• Erinus alpinus var. laxiflorus (Willk.)
• Erinus europaeus (Panz.)
• Erinus hispanicus (Pers.)
• Erinus lanceolatus (Kitt.)
• Erinus alpinus var. macranthus (Pau & Font Quer)
• Erinus alpinus var. glaberrimus (Font Quer & Maire)
• Erinus glabratus (Nyman)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken May 22, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2020 by Caseiro Lucia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2021 by Santiago González Carrera (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2021 by Emmanuel REMY (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 27, 2020 by dred (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 30, 2020 by Busqué Juan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2019 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2017 by Charles Petit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2018 by Kees Verhoek (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 31, 2019 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2022 by vero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2019 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 27, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 5, 2022 by Didier (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 26, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3741446)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:802227-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erinus alpinus L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]

Soil nutriments: 3