Dryas octopetala

(Mountain Avens)

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Dryas octopetala, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Co. 0714

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Dryas octopetala, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Co. 0732

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Dryas octopetala, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Co. 0720

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Dryas octopetala, Hoosier Pass, Summit Co. 5620

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Dryas octopetala, Hoosier Pass, Summit Co. 5619

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Dryas octopetala, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Co. 0718

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Dryas octopetala, Hoosier Pass, Summit Co. 5621

Scientific Name Dryas octopetala USDA PLANTS Symbol DROC
Common Name Eight-petal Mountain Avens, Mountain Avens, Mountain Dryad ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 24619
Family Rosaceae (Rose) Flora of North America Ref. Click Here
Description Life zones and habitat: Subalpine and alpine (10600 to 14000 ft.); tundra, rocky slopes, scree.
Plant: Mat-forming perennial sub-shrub with tangled stems 1 to 5 inches tall.
Leaves: Dense rosettes of elliptic to ovate leaves, less than 3/4-inch long with acute to rounded teeth on edges, leathery upper surface and hairy beneath.
Inflorescence: Single flowers about 1-inch across atop leafless stems 1/2 to almost 5 inches long; eight or more spreading white or cream petals, many yellow stamens in center.
Bloom Period: June to August.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Flora of North America and US Forest Service.
BONAP Distribution Map
N/A
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains