Alpine daphne (Daphne alpina, Sp. pl. 1:356. 1753)

Family: Thymelaeaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 1:356. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Daphne

Vegetable: False

Observations: SC. Europe

Description

The Alpine daphne is a captivating and resilient shrub originating from mountainous regions of Southern Europe. Scientifically named Daphne alpina, this species was first described in 1753. Belonging to the Thymelaeaceae family, it is a member of a diverse group of plants recognized for their aromatic properties and striking floral displays.

Alpine daphne thrives in rocky and well-drained soils, often found clinging to limestone outcrops at high altitudes. Its ability to prosper in such harsh environments speaks to its hardiness and adaptability. The plant typically forms a low, spreading shrub, rarely exceeding half a meter in height, which makes it well-suited to alpine gardens and rockeries.

The leaves of Daphne alpina are lance-shaped and leathery, providing a robust texture that contrasts beautifully with its delicate flowers. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the Alpine daphne produces clusters of small, tubular blossoms. These flowers are usually white, occasionally tinged with pink, and emit a sweet fragrance that attracts a variety of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. This characteristic makes it not only an attractive plant for garden enthusiasts but also ecologically valuable.

Despite its beauty, the Alpine daphne, like many members of its family, contains potent toxins. These can be harmful if ingested, and skin contact with the sap may cause irritation, making it a plant that should be handled with care. This toxicity is a natural defense mechanism, protecting the plant from herbivorous animals.

In summary, the Alpine daphne (Daphne alpina) is a remarkable plant, combining aesthetic appeal with ecological resilience. Its presence in Southern European alpine regions highlights its capacity to endure and flourish in challenging conditions, providing a stunning example of nature’s adaptation and beauty.

Common Names

Deu: alpen-seidelbast
Eng: alpine daphne
Swe: alptibast
En: Alpine daphne, Alpine Mezereon, Daphne
Ar: دفنة ألبية
Ca: Dafne alpí
Fr: Daphné des Alpes, Thymélée des Alpes
De: Alpen-Seidelbast, Alpenseidelbast
It: Dafne alpina, Laureola alpina, Olivetta
Pl: Wawrzynek alpejski
Sv: Alptibast

Synonyms

• Thymelaea alpina ((L.) All.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jul 14, 2022 by Marie Thérèse Suzor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2022 by Sara (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 8, 2022 by isabel maria sancho (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Denis SABATIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Maria Cristina Guarinoni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2021 by Tijana Mitrović (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2012 by Carlos Morate (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2021 by Marie-Christine HENTRY (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 24, 2022 by Lucio Calcagno (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2019 by sena goztepeli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2021 by Tijana Mitrović (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 30, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 5, 2018 by Catherine Bouvard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Natural Ethik (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7911301)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:831134-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Daphne alpina L.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]