What is this flower called?
Chiama: KYAH-mah. The chi makes a hard 'k' sound, not 'ch' as in English.
Use when you encounter wildflowers, plants, or fungi along the trail and want to learn their Italian names. Botanically curious hikers and local guides will love this question.
Come si chiama means 'what is it called' (literally 'how does it call itself'). This reflexive construction is the standard Italian way to ask names of things — you'll use it constantly.
È un fiore protetto?
Is it a protected flower?
Many alpine wildflowers in Italy are legally protected.
Si può raccogliere?
Can it be picked?
Important to ask before touching anything.
Che pianta è questa?
What plant is this?
More general — covers shrubs, herbs, not just flowers.
The gentian (genziana) is iconic in the Italian Alps and is used to make a bitter digestivo liqueur of the same name. Edelweiss (stella alpina) is also famous but now strictly protected throughout Italy.