The Soft Carpet of Alpine Oak

Dryas octopetala L. subsp. octopetala
Scientific name:
Dryas octopetala L. subsp. octopetala
Common name:
Mountain Avens
Family:
Rosaceae
Biological form:
Camefita reptante

Characteristics

Habit: Dwarf creeping perennial 8–12 cm tall forming dense mats. Leaves small, oak-like, dark green above and white-tomentose beneath. Flowers: Solitary, white, 2–4 cm wide, with 8 petals and many yellow stamens. Fruits: Achenes with long feathery awns. Flowering: June–August.

Distribution and habitat

Chorological type: Circum-Arctic-Alpine. Distribution in Italy: Common in the Alps, rarer in northern Apennines. Habitat: Rocky alpine environments, 1500–2500 m.

Etymology

Generic name (Dryas): From Greek drys (oak). Specific name (octopetala): Refers to eight petals.

Uses and properties

Used in traditional herbal infusions and as climate indicator in paleobotany.