Eight-petal Mountain-avens
Dryas octopetala
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Eight-petal Mountain-avens (Dryas octopetala) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Eight-petal Mountain-avens as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–6" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CO, ID, MT, OR and 3 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Eight-petal mountain-avens is a low-growing evergreen groundcover that forms dense mats of small, leathery leaves. It produces charming white flowers with eight petals during summer months, followed by feathery seed heads. This alpine plant is extremely hardy and drought-tolerant once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Eight-petal Mountain-avens takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very uncommon plant that may appear weedy to unfamiliar neighbors
- Feathery seed heads can look unkempt
- Extremely low growth may be perceived as patchy or sparse
Wildlife value
The summer flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The dense mat formation can provide shelter for small beneficial insects.
Common questions
- How much sun does Eight-petal Mountain-avens need?
- Eight-petal Mountain-avens grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Eight-petal Mountain-avens bloom?
- Eight-petal Mountain-avens blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Eight-petal Mountain-avens native?
- Eight-petal Mountain-avens (Dryas octopetala) is native to CO, ID, MT, OR and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Eight-petal Mountain-avens toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Eight-petal Mountain-avens as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Eight-petal Mountain-avens attract?
- Eight-petal Mountain-avens draws bees and beetles.
- Is Eight-petal Mountain-avens HOA-friendly?
- Eight-petal Mountain-avens takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Eight-petal Mountain-avens? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz