Mountain avens Dryas octopetala
ABOUT
D. octopetala forms a wide mat to 10cm in height, of small, shiny, oak-like leaves with white undersides. Flowers opening in late spring and early summer are 4cm in width, with about eight oblong petals, followed by silky fruiting heads
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Mountain Avens, White Dryas, Eightpetal Mountain-avens, White Dryad
Common names
Dryas octopetala var. major, Dryas caucasica, Dryas punctata, Dryas interjecta.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Arctic-Alpine
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem stabilization: Dryas octopetala, also known as mountain avens, helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion in alpine and arctic environments.
- Pollinator attraction: The flowers of mountain avens attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to the health of the ecosystem by facilitating plant reproduction.
- Food source for wildlife: The seeds and foliage of Dryas octopetala provide food for various insects and animals in its native habitats.
- Nitrogen fixation: Mountain avens forms a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which enrich the soil and benefit neighboring plants.
- Indicator species: Dryas octopetala can be an indicator of soil and climate conditions, as it has specific growing requirements that reflect the health of its environment.
- Aesthetic value: With its distinctive white flowers and attractive growth habit, mountain avens is valued for its ornamental qualities in rock gardens and natural landscaping.
- Climate tolerance: This plant is well adapted to cold, harsh climates, making it a resilient species for revegetation projects in its native range.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dryas octopetala, commonly known as mountain avens, has been used as a natural dye source. The roots of the plant can produce a red or orange dye suitable for coloring wool and other fabrics.
- Mountain avens has been used for tanning leather. The tannins present in the plant can help in transforming animal hides into durable leather.
- The leaves of mountain avens are sometimes used in the production of artisanal spirits for flavoring, contributing to a unique herbal profile.
- In some regions, the fibers from Dryas octopetala are collected to create small handicrafts, such as decorative items or rudimentary textiles.
- The plant's ability to stabilize soil with its root system makes it useful in preventing soil erosion in vulnerable landscapes such as slopes and riverbanks.
- Mountain avens can serve as a natural indicator of soil health and pH balance, as it prefers calcareous soils which are generally more alkaline.
- Dryas octopetala is utilized in restoration ecology to rehabilitate disturbed lands such as former mining sites by establishing vegetation and providing habitat for wildlife.
- In landscaping, mountain avens is planted for its aesthetic appeal with its white flowers and as a low-maintenance ground cover in rock gardens or alpine collections.
- The tough, leathery leaves of Dryas octopetala have been used historically as makeshift sandpaper for smoothing wood or horn in the absence of abrasive materials.
- During famine times, the young leaves and shoots of mountain avens were occasionally consumed as an emergency food source, although it is not typically regarded as edible.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mountain Avens is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mountain Avens is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Dryas octopetala, also known as mountain avens, is known for its ability to survive in harsh alpine and arctic environments, symbolizing the strength to endure challenging conditions.
- Purity: The white flowers of the mountain avens are often associated with purity and cleanliness, perhaps due to their stark contrast to the rugged landscapes they often inhabit.
- Conservation: Mountain avens plays a crucial role in preventing soil erosion in the sensitive ecosystems where it grows. It can symbolize the importance of preserving and protecting natural habitats.
WaterMountain avens prefer evenly moist soil, so it's essential to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, watering once a week with about 1 gallon of water per plant should suffice, but this can vary with weather conditions. During particularly hot or dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to maintain soil moisture. Conversely, in cooler, wetter climates, you may need to water less often. Ensure that the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging, as mountain avens do not tolerate standing water.
LightMountain avens flourish best in full sunlight to partial shade. The ideal spot for these plants would be an area where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, although they can also tolerate some light shade. Avoid deep shade locations, as this can reduce flowering and impact the plant's health.
TemperatureMountain avens are hardy and can endure cold temperatures, making them well-suited for cooler climates. They can survive in temperatures as low as -30°F and up to touch over 70°F. However, the ideal temperature range for mountain avens is between 50°F and 60°F. They thrive in alpine and subarctic regions, which naturally offer these conditions.
PruningPruning mountain avens is generally done to maintain their compact shape and to remove any dead or damaged growth. Pruning should be carried out in early spring before new growth begins. You can also deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming. It's not necessary to prune these plants frequently; once yearly is typically sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMountain avens prefer soil that is well-draining with a mixture of sand, loam, and some organic matter. The best soil mix for mountain avens is one that simulates its native alpine or tundra habitat, such as a mix of equal parts sand, potting soil, and peat or compost. They require slightly alkaline to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0.
RepottingMountain avens do not require frequent repotting as they are slow-growing plants. They should only be repotted once they have outgrown their current container, which might happen every two to three years. Ensure the new pot allows for adequate drainage and use the recommended soil mix during repotting.
Humidity & MistingMountain avens thrive best in low to moderate humidity environments, reflecting their natural alpine habitats. They prefer conditions that are not exceptionally humid; therefore, average room humidity or slightly drier is suitable. Avoid placing them in overly humid environments to prevent mold and rot.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Place in full sun to part shade, in rocky, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleMountain Avens (Dryas octopetala) starts its life cycle from seed, which upon germination develops into a hardy seedling with simple leaves. The plant then grows into a low-lying evergreen shrub, typically spreading across the ground through its woody branches. As it matures, it forms leathery, lobed leaves that remain throughout the year. Flowering occurs in late spring or early summer, with the plant producing distinctive white flowers with eight petals each, which are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the flowers develop into achenes, a type of fruit, with long feathery styles that aid in wind dispersal. Finally, the plant may spread vegetatively through its roots to create a dense mat, contributing to soil stabilization in its native alpine and arctic environments.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Mountain Avens, or Dryas octopetala, is most popularly propagated through seed. The best time for sowing seeds is during spring after the risk of frost has passed. The seeds should be scattered on the surface of a well-drained soil mix, lightly covered with soil, and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. It's important to ensure that the seeds have good contact with the soil, which can be facilitated by gently pressing them into the soil. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots and grown on in cooler conditions until they are large enough to be planted outdoors in the garden.
