Flowers of the Alps

Mountain Aven

Dryas octopetala or Silberwurz

Photo taken on Kreuzjoch (2000m), Stubai Alps, by Allan Hartley

A member of the Rosaceae family, this carpeting shrub usually has 8 petals. It is widespread throughout mountainous areas, particularly on sunny, limestone outcrops. It is a common plant throughout the Arctic and European highlands. It has horizontal rooting branches, leathery leaves and woody stems which produce an attractive white flower. The style turns into feathery hairs at the top of the fruit and this helps with wind dispersal. The national flower of Iceland, the leaves can be used as a herbal tea. Mountain Aven is protected and is one of 20 species listed under the ÖAV Vielfacht bewegt bio-diversity programme.

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