Family: Crassulaceae
Author: Raf.
Bibliography: Atlantic J. 1: 146 (1832)
Year: 1832
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Rhodiola
Vegetable: False
Observations: Russian Far East, Subarctic America to W. & WC. U.S.A.
Description
The King’s-crown, scientifically known as Rhodiola integrifolia, is a remarkable perennial plant recognized for its hardiness and adaptability in harsh climates. Native to the Russian Far East, this resilient species also finds its home across Subarctic America and extends into the western and west-central regions of the United States.
This plant is a proud member of the Crassulaceae family, a diverse group known for their succulent characteristics, which enable them to thrive in environments with low water availability. The Crassulaceae family is celebrated for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and minimal soil nutrients, traits that are prominently displayed in the King’s-crown.
Rhodiola integrifolia often grows in rocky, well-drained soils and is commonly found in alpine and subalpine regions where few other plant species can survive. The foliage of the King’s-crown is thick and fleshy, an adaptation that allows it to retain moisture efficiently. The leaves are typically a vibrant green, although under stressful conditions, they may exhibit a reddish hue, adding to the plant’s visual appeal.
The plant blooms in the summer, producing clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that are usually pink to red in color, providing a striking contrast against the green foliage. These blooms are not only visually captivating but also serve an important ecological role, attracting pollinators such as bees which are crucial for the propagation of many alpine plants.
Historically cataloged in Atlantic Journal in 1832 by the esteemed botanist Rafinesque, the King’s-crown continues to be a subject of interest for botanists and horticulturists alike. Its ability to endure some of the harshest conditions on earth makes it a fascinating study in plant resilience and adaptation.
In addition to its toughness and aesthetic value, Rhodiola integrifolia has been studied for its potential medicinal properties. Like many other members of the Rhodiola genus, it contains compounds thought to enhance physical endurance and reduce fatigue, making it of interest not only to scientists but also to those seeking natural remedies for health and wellness.
Overall, the King’s-crown is a splendid example of nature’s ingenuity, showcasing how life can flourish even in the most unforgiving environments. Its unique beauty and extraordinary survivability make it a treasured plant both in the wild and in cultivated alpine gardens.
Common Names
Eng: king’s-crown, ledge stonecrop, western roseroot, entire-leaved stonecrop, alpine sedum, king’s crown
Swe: röd rosenrot
Fra: orpin à feuilles entières
En: King’s-crown, Western roseroot, Leedy’s stonecrop, Ledge stonecrop, Entire-leaved stonecrop, Alpine sedum, King’s crown
Fr: Orpin à feuilles entières
Sv: Röd rosenrot
Synonyms
- Rhodiola rosea subsp. integrifolia ((Raf.) H.Hara)
- Tolmachevia integrifolia ((Raf.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
- Sedum integrifolium ((Raf.) A.Nelson)
- Sedum rosea subsp. integrifolium ((Raf.) Hultén)
- Sedum rosea var. integrifolium ((Raf.) A.Berger)
- Rhodiola rosea var. integrifolia ((Raf.) Jeps.)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Aleutian Is. (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Kamchatka (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Magadan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jan 27, 2016 by EOL − M. Goff (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 1, 2019 by Chiroiu Patrick (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2017 by Nata Ka (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 9, 2021 by Ahtesham Khan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2019 by mireille thibaukt (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 25, 2008 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 15, 2014 by EOL − C. Miltimore (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 4, 2003 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 18, 2015 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 31, 2014 by EOL − Marek (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Sep 11, 2020 by Kizzy Johnson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2022 by kaitlyn verge (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 15, 2020 by Karen Stasevich (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Hannah Carroll (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2020 by genevieve salvin (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 21, 2015 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2008 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 29, 2005 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 22, 2006 by EOL − Steven Thorsted (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 29, 2005 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:219402-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2985695)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rhodiola integrifolia Raf.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb