PlantWatch

Mountain avens (Dryas integrifolia, D. octopetala)

Photo by Parks Canada

Also known as: arctic and alpine dryad, white mountain avens
French name: dryade blanche
Bloom time: June to July
Report for: YK, NT, NU, BC, AB, MB, ON, QC

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 & Fruit: 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.

Sampling: Select a typical patch of plants, if the plants are very abundant, mark off a 1-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