Leontopodium is a genus of plants in the family Asteraceae.

[1][2] The fuzzy and somewhat stocky "petals" (technically, bracts) could be thought of as somewhat resembling lions' paws—hence the genus name combining Greek léōn ('lion') and pódion ('foot').

[3][4][5] The genus includes the edelweiss (L. nivale),[6][7] a well-known plant from the mountains of Europe.

The term edelweiss can, more rarely, refer to other members of the genus.

[8] The following species are currently recognized:[9] Leontopodium nivale, the edelweiss, has been regarded as a national symbol of Austria, worn as a cap emblem by Austrian troops and displayed on Austrian coins.