The larvae feed on the buds of Rosa species, including Rosa pendulina.

It has been in the Cadonau family for several generations and was named after the alpine rose (Rosa pendulina) by the Swiss-born wife and early co-owner of the dairy.

The larvae feed on Filipendula vulgaris, Rosa canina, Rosa pendulina, Rosa sempervirens, Sanguisorba minor and Sanguisorba officinalis.

The garden contains about 2,000 species including Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Daphne mezereum, Juniperus nana, Pinus mugo, Rhamnus pumilus, Rosa pendulina, Salix retusa, Quercus ilex, and Vaccinium myrtillus.

The garden also contains lichens and mosses, as well as Campanula barbata, Campanula excisa Schleicher (the garden's symbol), Gentiana purpurea, Lilium martagon, Lonicera nigra, Prenanthes purpurea, and Rosa pendulina.

The larvae feed on Rose species, including Rosa acicularis, Rosa arkansana, Rosa canina, Rosa glauca, Rosa pendulina, Rosa pimpinellifolia, Rosa rubiginosa, Rosa seraphini, Rosa soulieana and Rosa tomentosa.

Species include Chenopodium bonus-henricus, Berberis vulgaris, Eriophoron scheuchzeri, Pinguicula vulgaris, Rumex alpinus, Rosa canina, Rosa pendulina, Sedum reflexum, Sedum album, Sempervivum arachnoideum, Sempervivum tectorum, and Urtica dioica.

The larvae feed on Potentilla caulescens, Rosa arkansana, Rosa canina, Rosa centifolia, Rosa glauca, Rosa pendulina, Rosa rubiginosa, Rosa rugosa, Rosa tomentosa, Rosa wichuriana, Sanguisorba minor and Sanguisorba officinalis.