A natural and cultivated hybrid between Dryas octopetala and Dryas drummondii, from the Rosaceae family, it combines the characteristics of both parents while presenting a distinct and recognizable personality. It is found spontaneously in certain contact zones between the two parent species in North America, and is also reproduced in cultivation for alpine horticulture.
Like Dryas octopetala, it forms a creeping and dense carpet, 10 to 15 cm in height, with evergreen, oval, crenate, green and shiny leaves on top, whitish and tomentose underneath. The hybrid is best revealed by its flower: the buds are distinctly drooping and a creamy yellow inherited from Dryas drummondii, then the flower opens by partially straightening to reveal cream-white petals slightly tinged with pale yellow at the base, intermediate between the pure white of one and the bright yellow of the other parent. The feathery, silvery fruit heads are just as ornamental as they are in octopetala.
In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from June to August. In cultivation under a temperate climate, it generally occurs in May-June.
It shares the same cultural requirements as Dryas octopetala: well-drained soil, preferably calcareous, poor, full sun, and good winter hardiness. It dreads stagnant moisture. Its slightly greater vigor than the parent octopetala sometimes makes it a preferred choice for quickly covering large areas in rock gardens.