# western roseroot (*Rhodiola integrifolia*) Western roseroot is a special plant that grows in rocky places. It has thick, fleshy leaves and beautiful yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. This plant is tough and can survive in harsh conditions! - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 8 - **Habitat:** Mountain regions ![western roseroot](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Rhodiola_integrifolia_habitus.jpg&width=800) Photo: JerryFriedman, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rhodiola_integrifolia_habitus.jpg) ## Appearance The western roseroot has sturdy stems topped with dense clusters of small, star-like flowers that can be yellow-green or reddish. Its thick, fleshy leaves are blue-green and grow alternately, often appearing like a succulent rosette near the base. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Saxifragales - **Family:** Crassulaceae - **Genus:** Rhodiola ## Interesting facts - Even in harsh environments, it helps prevent soil from washing away with its strong roots! - Its thick root smells like roses when cut, earning its unique name! - Some people traditionally use its roots to boost energy, like a natural pick-me-up! - This hardy plant can grow high up in mountains, often above the tree line! ## Special abilities - **Altitude Ace:** Western roseroot can thrive in harsh alpine environments because it tolerates freezing temperatures and strong winds, helping it survive. - **Water Wallet:** Western roseroot has fleshy leaves that store water, which helps it endure dry periods common in its high-altitude habitats. - **Rooted Resilience:** Western roseroot has a thick, aromatic rhizome (underground stem) that anchors it firmly in rocky soils and stores nutrients. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 5-30 cm - **Spread:** 10-25 cm - **Flower Size:** 0.5-1.5 cm - **Bloom Season:** Summer - **Edible:** Yes - **Toxicity:** None - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Insect ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** Two-form Bumblebee (*Bombus bifarius*) — provides nectar and pollen - **Eaten by:** [Hoary Marmot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/hoary-marmot) (*Marmota caligata*) — a food source for marmots - **Eaten by:** American Pika (*Ochotona princeps*) — collected and stored for winter ## Traits - [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle. - [Summer Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/summer-blooming): Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished. - [Cold Hardy](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/cold-hardy): Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage. - [Medicinal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/medicinal): Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health. - [Succulent](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/succulent): Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always look but don't touch wild plants unless a grown-up says it's okay. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify western roseroot? Compare leaf arrangement, rosette shape, ribs, spines and flowers. Keep in mind that drought and strong sun can shift a plant's color and shape. Succulent Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is western roseroot? 5-30 cm ### How wide does western roseroot spread? 10-25 cm ### How big are the flowers on western roseroot? 0.5-1.5 cm ### When does western roseroot bloom? Summer ### Is western roseroot edible? Yes ### Is western roseroot toxic? None ### What is western roseroot's lifecycle? Perennial ## Where to spot - [Independence](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/independence) — Colorado, US · Neighborhood - [Leadville Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/leadville-historic-district) — Colorado, US · Historic District - [Telluride Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/telluride-historic-district) — Colorado, US · Historic District - [Echo Lake Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/echo-lake-park) — Colorado, US · Natural Landmark - [Summit Lake Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/summit-lake-park) — Colorado, US · Natural Landmark - [Wheeler Geologic Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/wheeler-geologic-area) — Colorado, US · Nature Reserve [View all places to see western roseroot](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/western-roseroot) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Western Roseroot: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-roseroot)