Eightpetal Mountain-Avens

(Dryas octopetala)

Eightpetal Mountain-Avens (Dryas octopetala)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Dryas octopetala, commonly known as Eightpetal Mountain-Avens, is an evergreen perennial subshrub native to arctic and alpine regions across Eurasia and North America. It thrives in tundra environments, rocky slopes, and mountainous areas, where it forms extensive mats. This low-growing plant typically reaches only 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) in height but can spread widely. The woody stems are contorted, with short, horizontally rooting branches, and the leaves are small, leathery, and dark green with a white woolly underside. From late spring to early summer, it produces solitary, stalked flowers with eight creamy white petals, each flower measuring 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across. The flowers are showy and attractive to pollinators. The fruit features a persistent style with feathery hairs that aid in wind dispersal.

Eightpetal Mountain-Avens is valued for its resilience and is often used in rock gardens, alpine gardens, and as groundcover due to its ability to form dense mats. Its evergreen foliage and charming flowers make it a popular choice for gardeners seeking year-round interest. Additionally, it is known for its low maintenance requirements, tolerating poor soils and drought conditions once established. It prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soils. While it is generally disease-free, it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils. This species has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional value for cultivation. The leaves have been used to make herbal tea, although this is not a widespread practice.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 0.2-0.7 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Arctic and alpine regions across Eurasia and North America

Other Names

Common Names: Eight-Petalled Mountain Avens , Eight-Petal Mountain-Avens , Mountain Dryas , White Mountain Avens , Silberwurz , Weiße Silberwurz , Dryade À Huit Pétales , Fjällsippa

Scientific Names: Dryas octopetala , Dryas caucasica , Dryas punctata subsp. punctata , Dryas octopetala var. octopetala , Dryadaea octopetala , Dryas babingtonii , Dryas chamaedryoides , Dryas octopetala f. hirsuta , Dryas octopetala f. octopetala , Dryas octopetala var. camschatica , Dryas octopetala var. typica

GBIF Accepted Name: Dryas octopetala L.