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  • Rhodiola rosea (golden root) with buds
  • Rhodiola rosea (golden root) in bloom
  • Rhodiola rosea (golden root) growing on rocks
  • Rhodiola rosea (golden root) in its natural habitat
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golden root

Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea

A beautiful arctic sedum look-a-like that has been used medicinally for centuries by both Inuit people and Viking warriors. The rose-scented root is used today to improve learning and memory, combat depression, and aid weight loss.

Grow in full sun at high altitudes or part shade at lower elevations. Good drainage is essential. Summer dormant in the Hudson Valley.

Zones: 1 to 8
Family: Crassulaceae
Type: Perennial
Height: 2 to 16 in.
Spread: 6 to 12 in.
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Conditions: Average
Bloom Time: May to June
Bloom Color: yellowish
Native Range: wild Arctic regions of Europe, including Britain, Asia and North America

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  • Rhodiola rosea (golden root) with buds
  • Rhodiola rosea (golden root) in bloom
  • Rhodiola rosea (golden root) growing on rocks
  • Rhodiola rosea (golden root) in its natural habitat

  • Special Characteristics:

    • Salt tolerant

  • Image Credits:

    Image 1 (spring) picture taken by Olaf Leillinger, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
    Image 2 (spring) Oda230, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
    Image 3 (summer) Randi Hausken from Bærum, Norway, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
    Image 4 (fall) SiberianJay, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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