Rhodiola integrifolia, commonly known as ledge stonecrop, western roseroot, or king’s crown, is a perennial herb that is native to alpine and subalpine habitats, including rocky cliffs, talus slopes, and meadows in northeastern Russia, Kamchatka, and western North America. It typically grows to a height of 12 inches (30 cm) and features succulent, lance-shaped leaves that can turn shades of orange, rose, or red as they mature. The plant is notable for its dense cymes of up to 50 bright red to deep purple flowers, which bloom in the summer and are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

In cultivation, Rhodiola integrifolia is valued for its striking foliage coloration and its ability to thrive in rock gardens, alpine gardens, and as a ground cover in areas with cool summers. It prefers well-drained soils with medium moisture and can tolerate full sun to part shade conditions. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. The subspecies ssp. leedyi, which is federally listed as threatened in the U.S., is found only in Minnesota and upstate New York, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts for this plant.CC BY-SA 4.0