Mountain Avens

Mountain avens is the common name for dwarf, trailing or mat-forming shrubs in genus Dryas of the rose family (Rosaceae). The genus includes about 4 species found mainly at higher altitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. Three are native to Canada. Furry, evergreen leaves, a single decorative flower and a mat-forming ability make mountain avens popular for rock gardens. They may be grown from cuttings, tuft division and from seed, particularly in sandy soil. The very hardy species D. integrifolia was chosen (1957) as the floral emblem of the NWT, where it is abundant and blooms from June to July. It grows on rocky, barren slopes in the mountains of BC and Alberta, and throughout the territories and the arctic archipelago. This species has a corolla of white petals with a yellow centre. See also Provincial floral emblems.