Crassulaceae FAMILY

Rhodiola rosea

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

3/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Rhodiola rosea is a perennial plant producing a cluster of flowering stems 5 - 40cm tall from an erect or spreading rootstock[ 270 Title Flora of N. America Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An on-line version of the flora with an excellent description of the plant including a brief mention of plant uses. ]. Although not very well known, Rhodiola rosea has a long history of medicinal use and has been shown to be a very effective general tonic for the body. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine, and also for use as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations. The plant is also grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a ground cover.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeArctic regions of Europe, Asia and N. America, including Britain, further south on mountains.

HabitatMoist, rocky ledges and talus of coastal cliffs in the north and of north-facing cliffs; at elevations up to 1,900 metres[ 270 Title Flora of N. America Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An on-line version of the flora with an excellent description of the plant including a brief mention of plant uses. ]. Crevices of mountain rocks and on sea cliffs[ 17 Title Flora of the British Isles. Publication Author Clapham, Tutin and Warburg. Publisher Cambridge University Press Year 1962 ISBN - Description A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures. ].