Dryas octopetala – Mountain Avens

Description

Dryas – Mountain Avens – There are about 3 species of dense mat forming, evergreen sub shrubs, in this genus. They occur on cliffs and rock ledges in alpine and arctic regions in the Northern Hemisphere. They are grown for their oak-like, leathery, wrinkled, dark green leaves, to 1 ½” long, and white downy beneath which turn dark bronze in winter. It bears solitary, cup to bell shaped, 8 petalled flowers followed by fluffy seeds heads. They are early grown carpeting plants, useful for a rock garden, wall, or border edge. Grow in well drained, humus rich, slightly acidic, preferably gritty soil in sun or partial shade. D. octopetala – Mountain Avens – This mat forming, evergreen sub shrub from alpine area in Northern Europe grows 4″ tall and at least 36″ wide. It produces oblong-elliptic to ovate, scalloped, dark green leaves, to 11 ½” long. In late spring and early summer it bears upward facing, cup shaped, creamy white flowers, to 1 ½” across, with golden stamens,, followed by fluffy silver seed heads. Zones 3-6