ountain avens is normally only found in the Arctic or at high altitudes and in limestone/karst terrain. It is an prostate spreading evergeen shrub with small, leathery, wrinkled green leaves. The small flowers are white and saucer shaped growing on top of short stems. This one was spotted on top of Porcupine Ridge at the south end of Lime Ridge in the Marble Range.

After flowering the seed plumes are twisted into tight golden bundles that open onto fluffy seed heads. These were spotted on Wild Horse Ridge, a few miles north.

We have only spotted these above the treeline in rocky, barren areas. The flowering period is short and we are more likely to see the whorled seedheads than the flowers. We find the Marble Range to be one of the best areas for wildflowers in July so we try to hike one of the peaks there near July 1st each year.