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Dryas octopetala (Eightpetal mountain-avens)
Makin, Julie

Dryas octopetala L.

Eightpetal mountain-avens, Eight-petal mountain-avens, Mountain dryas, White mountain-avens

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Synonyms: Dryas octopetala ssp. hookeriana, Dryas hookeriana

USDA Symbol: droc

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This slow-growing perennial forms mats up to 3 ft. wide and 8 in. tall. A small, prostrate plant often in large patches, the woody stems rooting, with 1 cream or white flower at end of each erect, leafless flower stalk. The mats appear to be a mass of oval, leathery leaves with rounded teeth. The leaves remain green during winter but deteriorate rapidly as new leaves are produced in spring. Single, white flowers, looking like miniature roses, are borne atop 2-8 in. stems. Summer fruits are fluffy and feathery.

This species often grows with dwarf willows, the prostrate habits of each providing protection against cold, drying winds.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: AK , CO , ID , MT , OR , UT , WA , WY
Canada: BC , NL , NT , NU , QC , YT
Native Distribution: AK, s. to the n. Cascades of WA & in the Rockies to CO; circumpolar
Native Habitat: Gravel bars; limestone outcrops; open meadows
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N), GL(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)

Dryas octopetala is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Alberta Fritillary
(Boloria alberta)
Larval Host
Learn more at BAMONA

Propagation

Description: Mountain dryas can be propagated by seed, layers or root divisions. Make divisions in early spring. Seeds are slow and not too sure.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Cold, moist stratification for several months substantially increases germination.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Bibliography

Bibref 1186 - Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.
Bibref 1185 - Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Dryas octopetala in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Dryas octopetala in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Dryas octopetala

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-07-31
Research By: TWC Staff

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