Snow Lotus
Saussurea obvallata
Snow Lotus is a sacred and rare Himalayan alpine perennial treasured across Tibetan and Indian cultures for millennia. Enclosed in papery translucent bracts above its hidden purple flowers, it symbolizes purity, longevity, and spiritual transcendence.
Asteraceae (Daisy family)
Mid-monsoon season (July–September)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: edelweisss and cyananthuss also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The Snow Lotus (Brahmakamal) is among the most sacred plants of the Himalayas. In Hinduism, it is associated with Lord Brahma and the goddess Nanda Devi, and is offered in temples across the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of India. In Tibetan Buddhism and traditional Chinese culture, the snow lotus is revered as a symbol of immortality, purity, and divine beauty. In Chinese martial arts literature and classical texts, the snow lotus was classified as a rare herb as precious as lingzhi mushroom and old ginseng. Its extraordinary rarity, difficult habitat, and luminous appearance have inspired legends across multiple Himalayan cultures.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; adapted to intense high-altitude sunlight filtered by its papery bracts
Water
Dependent on monsoon and snowmelt moisture; requires excellent drainage. Cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions at any season.
Soil
Rocky, Gravelly, Humus-rich scree, Well-drained, Slightly acidic
Expert Growing Tips
Extremely difficult to cultivate outside its native alpine habitat; requires very cool summers, excellent drainage, and high-altitude light conditions
Best grown from seed sown in autumn in very gritty, well-drained alpine compost
Requires a long cold dormancy period to simulate natural winter conditions
Do not disturb established plants — very sensitive to root disturbance
Wild collection is illegal in India and several other countries; only use seeds from certified nursery sources
Best appreciated in its natural habitat or supported through botanical conservation programs
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Sacred offerings in Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist temples
- High-altitude botanical garden specimen
- Conservation garden plantings for endangered Himalayan flora
- Dried flower and religious decorative use
Traditional Uses
- One of the most important herbs in traditional Tibetan and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years
- Used to treat altitude sickness, rheumatoid arthritis, cough, stomachache, and dysmenorrhea
- Has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, analgesic, cardiotonic, and antifatigue properties in scientific research
- Classified as a Schedule VI protected species in India due to over-harvesting; Saussurea obvallata is sacred to the goddess Nanda Devi and offered at Himalayan shrines
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Snow Lotus
What does the snow lotus symbolize?
The Snow Lotus symbolizes purity, longevity, and spiritual transcendence. It is one of the most sacred flowers in Himalayan cultures, associated with divinity and rare beauty. In Tibetan and Chinese traditions it also represents immortality and healing.
Is the snow lotus a real flower?
Yes, the Snow Lotus is a real plant. Saussurea obvallata (Brahmakamal) grows in the high-altitude alpine meadows of the Himalayas at elevations of 12,000–15,000 feet. It is rare, endangered in some regions, and legally protected in India.
What is Brahmakamal?
Brahmakamal is the common Indian name for Saussurea obvallata, the Snow Lotus. It is the state flower of Uttarakhand, India, and one of the most sacred flowers in Hinduism — associated with Lord Brahma and traditionally offered at Himalayan shrines.
Is the snow lotus endangered?
Several snow lotus species including Saussurea obvallata face serious conservation threats from overharvesting for traditional medicine, as well as habitat loss from climate change. Wild collection is prohibited or restricted in India and parts of China.
Can you grow snow lotus at home?
Growing snow lotus at home is extremely difficult. It requires specific high-altitude conditions — intense sunlight, very cold winters, rocky well-drained soils, and cool summers — that are nearly impossible to replicate at low altitudes. It is best supported through conservation efforts.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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