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Dryas octopetala
Dryas octopetala L.
Eightpetal Mountain-avens, Eight-petal Mountain-avens, White Mountain-avens, Mountain Dryas
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: DROC
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N), GL (N)
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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Achene , Aggregate
Size Notes: Up to about 8 inches tall.
Fruit: Aggregated achenes.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AK , CO , ID , MT , OR , UT , WA , WYCanada: AB , 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
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Moisture: Dry
Drought Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesButterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Alberta Fritillary (Boloria alberta) Larval Host |
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 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
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Dryas octopetala in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Dryas octopetala in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Dryas octopetala
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-07Research By: TWC Staff