Alpine snowbell (Soldanella alpina, Sp. pl. 1:144. 1753)

Family: Primulaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 1:144. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Soldanella

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Pyrenees to SW. Germany and W. Balkan Pen.

Description

The Alpine snowbell, known scientifically as Soldanella alpina, is a charming perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Primulaceae. First described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this plant has since become celebrated for its delicate beauty and resilience in mountainous terrains.

Native to the Central Pyrenees and extending across Southwestern Germany to the Western Balkans, Soldanella alpina thrives in alpine and subalpine meadows, where it can often be found amid rocky clefts and along the edges of receding snow patches. These resilient plants are particularly well-adapted to the harsh, cold climates of high altitudes, often flourishing at elevations where snow lingers well into the warmer months.

The Alpine snowbell is best recognized by its delicate, bell-shaped flowers, which tend to exhibit a striking blue or violet hue. These pendulous blossoms emerge on slender, leafless stems that rise from a basal rosette of round, leathery leaves. This distinctive foliage is often tinged with a hint of red, adding to the plant’s visual appeal.

Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, typically from May to July. During this period, the plant’s blossoms unfurl to reveal fringed petals, which appear to dance in the alpine winds. The flowers not only contribute to the scenic beauty of mountainous landscapes but also play a critical role in supporting pollinators in these high-altitude environments.

Due to its specific habitat requirements and limited geographical range, Soldanella alpina is often considered a marker of pristine, undisturbed alpine ecosystems. It holds significant ecological value, contributing to the biodiversity and stability of its native habitats.

In alpine gardens, Soldanella alpina is cherished for its ornamental qualities and its ability to bring a touch of the rugged, natural elegance of mountain landscapes into cultivated spaces. However, it requires conditions that replicate its native environment—cool, well-drained soil and partial shade—to thrive successfully.

Overall, the Alpine snowbell is a testament to the resilience and beauty of alpine flora, embodying the delicate balance and intricate relationships that define mountain ecosystems. Its presence in the wild not only enriches the biodiversity of its native regions but also offers a glimpse into the marvels of adaptation and survival in some of the Earth’s most challenging environments.

Common Names

Deu: gewöhnliches alpenglöckchen
En: Alpine Snowbell, Blue moonwort
Ca: Soldanel·la alpina
Cs: Dřípatka alpská
Nl: Alpen-kwastjesbloem, Alpenkwastjesbloem
Fi: Niittyalppikello
Fr: Soldanelle des Alpes
De: Echtes Alpenglöckchen, Gewöhnliches Alpenglöckchen, Großes Alpenglöckchen (Schweiz), Alpen-Troddelblume, Große Soldanelle
It: Soldanella comune
Sr: Алпска звончица
Sk: Soldanelka alpínska, Soldanelka karpatská
Es: Navadni alpski zvonček
: Alpine snowbell

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

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.

Flower

Taken Mar 26, 2020 by Guillaume Labeyrie (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by Vincenc J (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2020 by Guilhem Sommeria-Klein (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2021 by Alexandra Dall (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 27, 2020 by Treize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2021 by Mati Mos (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 19, 2021 by ukk (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2020 by fdrcfrtn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2021 by Matt DaKine (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2021 by elena🌞 dei boschi🌿 (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 16, 2022 by Zillah Zillah (cc-by-sa)

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

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

Taken Jun 11, 2020 by Engelbert Gaël (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Anny RAIM (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 13, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7923515)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:702860-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Soldanella alpina L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 9

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

Soil nutriments: 3