Yellow Mountain-Avens

dryas drummondii

The Yellow Mountain-Avens (Dryas drummondii) is a resilient, mat-forming woody dwarf shrub belonging to the rose family. Renowned for its ability to thrive in harsh, barren environments, this pioneering species is frequently one of the first plants to colonize newly exposed gravels left behind by retreating glaciers or shifting rivers. By forming symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, it plays a vital ecological role in enriching nutrient-poor soils, facilitating the gradual succession of richer plant communities. Its dense, creeping mats also help stabilize loose soils, preventing erosion along steep alpine slopes and dynamic river systems. To easily track and identify Yellow Mountain-Avens on your next adventure, download the Snappit app.

Habitat: Typically found on gravelly river flats, glacial moraines, scree slopes, and rocky alpine meadows.

Appearance

This low-growing shrub is easily identified by its nodding, bell-shaped yellow flowers that bloom singly on upright, hairy stems. Unlike other mountain-avens, its petals remain somewhat closed, creating a cup-like appearance. Its leaves are oblong, dark green, and leathery with deeply scalloped edges, contrasting sharply with their woolly, silver-white undersides. As the flowers mature, they transform into spectacular, fluffy, feather-like seed heads that spiral elegantly to catch alpine winds.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusDryas

Yellow Mountain-Avens

Interesting facts

It acts as a primary ecological builder, transforming barren, rocky debris into nutrient-rich soil that allows other plant species to colonize the area.

Its twisted, feathery seed heads act like miniature weather vanes, twisting tightly when wet and expanding when dry to release seeds in dry, windy conditions.

Unlike most other mountain-avens which have wide-open white flowers, the yellow mountain-avens has nodding yellow blossoms that never fully open.

Special abilities

Cooperates with Frankia bacteria in its root nodules to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, allowing it to survive on sterile gravel.

Produces feathery, plumose styles on its seeds that act as sails to maximize dispersal across barren post-glacial landscapes.

Establishes extensive, woody root networks and dense ground-hugging mats that bind loose gravel and prevent erosion.

Measurements & details

Length: 5-25 cm
Lifespan: 10-50 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic plant, it generates its own energy using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water, supplemented by nutrients fixed via root nodule symbiosis.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Mineral nutrients

Foraging Method

Photosynthesis

Ecological connections

mutualism

Frankia Bacteria

Frankia alni

Obtains crucial fixed nitrogen through a mutualistic relationship in its root nodules.

eaten by

Mountain Goat

Oreamnos americanus

Graze on the leaves and stems of the dwarf shrub in high alpine habitats during the summer months.

mutualism

Western Bumblebee

Bombus occidentalis

Visits the nodding yellow flowers for nectar and pollen, acting as a key pollinator.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Yellow Mountain-Avens?

The easiest way to identify Yellow Mountain-Avens is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Yellow Mountain-Avens?

5-25 cm

How long does Yellow Mountain-Avens live?

10-50 years

What does Yellow Mountain-Avens eat?

As a photosynthetic plant, it generates its own energy using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water, supplemented by nutrients fixed via root nodule symbiosis.

Where is Yellow Mountain-Avens usually found?

Typically found on gravelly river flats, glacial moraines, scree slopes, and rocky alpine meadows.

How does Yellow Mountain-Avens hunt?

Photosynthesis