High mountain plants

If you are more of a mountaineering type, in the Alps for example, you might get a chance to see the Génépi of the glaciers or the Gentian of the Alps. These two plants are symbols of the Alpine regions and grow from 1,304 Miles above sea level.

1. THE GENEPI

The Genepi of glaciers can even grow on vertiginous heights, reaching 1,864 to 2,174 Miles of altitude. The term Genepi is actually a vernacular name for several plant species in the Asteraceae family. A true emblem of the departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie in France, the Genepi is a perennial plant with hairy basal leaves. Brave are those who undertake a hike to meet it, the latter not only grows in high altitude, yes the muscles of your legs will be put to strain, but also on difficult and dangerous terrain such as cliffs or ridges. A few years ago, Genepi was used to promote digestion but also, and this is the last thing, to cure the sickness of the mountain (in other words, the evils related to altitude). 

 

2. THE GENTIAN OF THE ALPS

The Alpine Gentian is less wild. More accessible than the Genepi, it grows from 0,932 Miles of altitude. We can thus observe it during a hike that is certainly physical but less technical and sporty. It is characterized by its small size, its stem measures on average 1,181 Pouce to 3,149 Pouce, and by its beautiful flowers colored with electric blue. Know that there are several species of Gentian and that some are protected: it is better not to pick them if you cross them on a hike! Today, Gentian is mainly used for the production of alcoholic beverages, as is Genepi. They say our ancestors used it for its digestive, tonic virtues.

The high mountain flora, up to about 1,864 Miles above sea level, is very rich and varied. Long walks or hikes are an opportunity to meet a multitude of species. Keep an eye out for your next walks, the Genepi des glaciers and the Gentian of the Alps are not the only plants you can admire!

 

Low and medium mountain plants

If you are not a fan of high mountains, or live in a region of medium or low mountains, the plants you can encounter in hiking are very different.

3. DANDELION

Our third choice is on a plant more common than the two plants that high mountain mentioned above: Dandelion. Let’s talk a bit about this plant in one of our infusions: Dandelion is a fairly common plant, found in many places (our gardens, roadside, hiking trails, etc.).

This plant for the least autonomous is known by all and therefore easily recognizable. It usually grows in low and medium altitude but know that it can still develop up to 1,864 Mile of altitude!

The Dandelion is steeped in several stories, including the one of the vow: it is common to say to blow on a dandelion pistil by making a wish gives it more chances to fulfill itself. 

 

4. THE SAVORY OF THE MOUNTAINS

The Savory of the mountains is a perennial and persistent shrub that can be found up to 1,056 Miles above sea level.
You can easily meet her on a low or medium mountain hike. A condiment and medicinal plant with a strong smell, the Mountain Savory is mainly used in culinary art.
It is also one of the flagship plants of Provencal cuisine, its presence being increased in the south of France and in the warm regions. As an anecdote, the Mountain Savory was long known for its aphrodisiac powers, and this since Antiquity. This sulfurous reputation earned him a ban in the Middle Ages in monasteries! 

 

5. THE BLUEBERRY OF THE MOUNTAINS

The Mountain Blueberry is also part of plants that can be seen during hikes. It usually blooms spontaneously from April to August in the French low and middle mountains. Also very easily identifiable, the Mountain Blueberry is hardy and vigorous. It can live up to about 2000 meters above sea level. Be careful not to confuse it with Blueberry fields of similar appearance. The latter is the one that grows abundantly at the edge of our roads and paths in summer.