Dryas octopetala

Dryas octopetala, the mountain avens, eightpetal mountain-avens, white dryas or white dryad, is an Arctic–alpine flowering plant in the family Rosaceae. It is a small prostrate evergreen subshrub forming large colonies. The specific epithet octopetala derives from Greek octo 'eight' and petalon 'petal', referring to the eight petals of the flower, an unusual number in the Rosaceae, where five is the normal number. However, flowers with up to 16 petals also occur naturally. As a floral emblem, it is the official territorial flower of the Northwest Territories and the national flower of Iceland.

Description

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.

Edible Uses

The leaves can be used as a tea substitute.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are used for tea.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The entire plant, harvested just before or at flowering time, is astringent and digestive. An infusion is used as a stomach tonic and as a gargle for gingivitis and other disorders of the mouth and throat.

Known Hazards

The primary caution relates to cyanogenic compounds that may be present in small amounts. These compounds can release hydrocyanic acid, which is toxic. Proper preparation—specifically reheating the strained tea—helps mitigate this risk. Consumption should remain moderate, and experimental or alternative preparation methods, such as cold infusion, should be avoided. As with many alpine plants, overharvesting should also be avoided due to slow growth rates and fragile habitats.

Distribution

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.

Where It Grows

Arctic, Australia, Europe, Iceland, Slovenia, Switzerland, USA,

Cultivation

Swiss tea is a specialized alpine plant with modest value as a herbal tea and significant value as an ecological indicator species. It is best appreciated as part of high-mountain ecosystems rather than relied upon as a food source. Growing Conditions: This species thrives in cold, exposed environments with excellent drainage. It prefers full sun, rocky or gravelly soils, and low nutrient levels. It is highly adapted to freeze-thaw cycles, wind exposure, and short growing seasons. Habitat & Range: Swiss tea is widespread across the Northern Hemisphere in alpine and Arctic regions. In the United States, it is primarily found in high-elevation areas of the Rocky Mountains, including parts of Utah and Colorado, but is otherwise largely absent from the Southwest. Size & Landscape Performance: In suitable conditions, Swiss tea forms dense, attractive mats that stabilize soil and add visual interest to alpine gardens. Its low profile and evergreen foliage make it a valuable groundcover in cold climates. Cultivation (Horticulture): Swiss tea can be cultivated in rock gardens or alpine beds that mimic its natural habitat. It requires excellent drainage, cool temperatures, and minimal competition. It does not tolerate heat or heavy soils well. Pests & Problems: Generally pest-free in its natural habitat, but may suffer in cultivation if conditions are too warm, wet, or nutrient-rich. Root rot is a potential issue in poorly drained soils. Identification & Habit: A ground-hugging, mat-forming subshrub with woody stolons. Leaves are simple, thick, leathery, and evergreen, with rolled margins and a dense covering of white hairs on the underside. Flowers are solitary, white, and composed of multiple petals, followed by feathery seed heads. Pollinators: The open, showy flowers attract a range of alpine pollinators, including bees, flies, and other cold-adapted insects. Its flowering period coincides with peak alpine insect activity. Easily grown in ordinary gardening soil, preferring a sunny position. Prefers limestone soils. Prefers a gritty, well-drained, peaty soil. A sub-shrub, producing annual stems from a woody base. A good plant for a rock garden, it succeeds on banks and on walls. A very ornamental plant. The sub-species D. octopetala hookeriana has been shown to produce nitrogen nodules on its roots due to a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, in the same way as peas and beans. It has been assumed here that the species type can also do this. Some of the nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. Established plants strongly resent root disturbance. An evergreen. A clumping mat former. Forming a dense prostrate carpet with a limited spread. Swiss tea, now best referred to as Dryas octopetala, belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae) and the genus Dryas. Common names include alpine tea, eight-petal mountain avens, and white mountain avens. It is a low-growing, evergreen, mat-forming subshrub of cold alpine environments, generally suited to USDA Zones 2–6. Plants typically form dense mats only 2–10 cm tall but can spread extensively, often covering 30–100 cm or more across suitable terrain.

Propagation

Sow seed in pots in a shady cold frame or sheltered spot outdoors as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed requires stratification and should be sown as soon as possible. Germination usually takes 1–12 months or more at 20°C. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in a greenhouse through the first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Division of self-layered shoots can be done in early spring. Take cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel in July/August in sharp sand in a frame.

Other Uses

The plant makes a good ground cover for spring bulbs, though it is not strongly weed suppressive. It is slow-growing at first but forms a dense mat. Space plants about 30 cm apart each way; the branches root at intervals along the stems.

Notes

There are 3 Dryas species.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Alpska velesa

References (11)

• Abbet, C., et al, 2014, Ethnobotanical survey on wild alpine food plants in Lower and Central Valais (Switzerland). Journal of Ethnopharmacology 151 (2014) 624–634
• Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 364
• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 515
• Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 198
• Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 283

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