Mountain avens
Dryas octopetala
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
An evergreen mat forming shrub. It grows 8-10 cm high and spreads 100 cm wide. The leaves are shiny and oak shaped. They are white underneath. They turn bronze in winter. The flowers are fairly large and white. The flower stems are 10 cm long. They are in fluffy seed heads.
There are 3 Dryas species.
Where it is found
It is a cool temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 3-9. It grows in the European Alps as well as in Arctic regions. It suits slightly alkaline, moist, well-drained soils. It grows in an open sunny position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought.
Countries/locations it is found in
Arctic, Australia, Europe, Iceland, Slovenia, Switzerland, USA
How it is used for food
The leaves are used for tea.
Edible parts
Leaves - tea
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by division, cuttings or freshly sown seed.
Its other names
Local names
Alpska velesa