Leontopodium alpinum - Edelweiss is a small alpine flowering plant growing no larger than 20 centimeters, typical of a high altitude plant. Its German name translates as "noble white." Edelweiss is native to Europe and limited to altitudes ranging between 1,800 and 3,000 meters. It has a dense layer of woolly hair covering the leaves and flowers. Edelweiss is no longer easy to find in its native habitat; the high rate of collection by admires has placed the plant under strict protection in several countries.
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Seen as a corridor for attacking Austria, Switzerland was occupied by France in 1798. The French abolished the canton system and centralized the government. The uprisings against French rule was intense enough for Napoleon to institute the Act of Mediation in 1803, an attempt to partially restore the cantons to their original status. The Congress of Vienna convened in 1815 to settle the turmoil of the Napoleonic Wars. It restored Swiss independence and recognized its pledge of permanent neutrality.
