Androsace chamaejasme, or Rock Jasmine, is easily identified (though not so easy to spot) by its fragrant white petals with yellow, sometimes pink or orange, centers. Short stems of 1-3 inches extend upward from “nests” of velvety evergreen leaves. This Androsace has the widest distribution of any species; from central Asia, through Siberia into the Rockies of North America. It extends into Arctic regions along stony coastal and alpine slopes and mountain tundra to 5,000 feet making it one of the hardiest species.

On the North Slope of Alaska, where this photo was taken, Rock Jasmine grows in tiny clumps and extremely low to the ground. I have seen small patches of Rock Jasmine with flowers growing side by side, yet having different colored centers (some yellow, some orange, and others pink). Able to bounce back after winters in the -50s (F) or colder, they are certainly tough little plants, but are truly charming as well.