Rhodiola rosea L.
Arctic root
Roseroot is a striking, fleshy-leaved perennial of the stonecrop family, native to the wilder uplands and coasts of Britain. It grows from a stout, branching rootstock that smells of roses when cut, sending up clumps of grey-green, succulent stems clothed in overlapping, toothed leaves.
About
Roseroot is a striking, fleshy-leaved perennial of the stonecrop family, native to the wilder uplands and coasts of Britain. It grows from a stout, branching rootstock that smells of roses when cut, sending up clumps of grey-green, succulent stems clothed in overlapping, toothed leaves. The plants are dioecious, male and female flowers borne on separate individuals, and the dense terminal heads of small, four-petalled blooms are yellow to greenish-yellow, often flushed red as they age and set seed.
In Britain and Ireland it is a plant of mountain rock ledges, crevices and damp but well-drained cliffs, mainly in Scotland, north-western England, Wales and western Ireland, descending to sea cliffs in the north and west. It flowers from May to July, drawing flies and other insects. A handsome, hardy choice for rock gardens, gravel and green roofs, it tolerates exposure and poor, stony ground.
Also known as
King's-crown · Rose-root Rhodiola · Roseroot · Roseroot Stonecrop · Rosewort
Synonyms
Rhodalia rosea · Rhodia officinarum · Rhodiola arctica · Rhodiola arctica borealis · Rhodiola borealis · Rhodiola elongata · Rhodiola hideoi · Rhodiola iremelica · Rhodiola krivochizhinii · Rhodiola lapponica · Rhodiola maxima · Rhodiola minor
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.