Mountain Avens (Dryas integrifolia/octopetala)
 
Also known as: arctic and alpine dryad, white mountain avens
Bloom time: June - July
General
These plants are ground-hugging, sun-loving, semi-shrubs.
Arctic mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia) leaves are 1-2 cm long, narrow with smooth edges and a somewhat shiny upper surface.
Alpine mountain avens (Dryas octopetala) leaves are longer (up to 3.5 cm) and wider, with scalloped or wavy edges.
Leaves & Twigs
The small, leathery, evergreen leaves are wrinkled on the upper surface and hairy underneath.
Flowers & Fruits
White, saucer-shaped flowers are 2-3 cm wide, growing on stalks 2-15 cm tall.
Seed plumes are twisted in tight red/gold bundles that open into fluffy round seed heads as they mature.
Habitat
These species prefer rocky barren areas, alpine meadows and ridges. Arctic mountain avens can also tolerate moist conditions, where it takes on a creeping form.
PlantWatch Pointers
Select a typical patch of plants, if the plants are very abundant, mark off a l-metre-square section to observe.
To Observe
First bloom: when the first flowers are open in the observed plants.
Mid bloom: when 50% of the flowers are open in the observed plants.
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Distribution Map
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