Al Schneider's Rocky Mountains Plant Descriptions

Queen's Crown
Rhodiola rhodantha
Stonecrop family (Crassulaceae)

Rhodiola rhodantha and Rhodiola integrifolia are quite similar, having short succulent leaves on a thick straight stem topped by flower clusters. Both enjoy being in wet , but Rhodiola integrifolia will often also be found in drier open woods and Rhodiola rhodantha will commonly be found in quite wet high mountain . Rhodiola rhodantha's flower cluster is a rounded column. Both plants turn lovely, soft colors in the fall. "Rhodantha" is Greek for "rose flower." The plant was first collected for science by Charles Parry in Colorado in 1861 and was named Sedum rhodanthum by Asa Gray in 1862.


©2009 Jerry Oldenettel

Description

plants, with thick rootstocks. Stems to 14" tall, several, simple. Leaves to a bit over 1" long, , , to . Flowers in dense, clusters with leaf like . distinct. Petals about 1/3" long, typically light rose/pink/white. 10, the petals and attached to them. a .

Field Marks

Succulent looking plant to about a foot tall, often in wetlands in significant numbers. Flowers in tight pink cluster.

© Al Schneider

stamen -- the pollen-producing reproductive organ of a flower; The stamen consists of an anther supported by a filament.

oblanceolate -- top wider than bottom

linear -- Long and very narrow like a blade of grass.

A perennial plant lives and blooms for many years.

Bracts are modified leaves associated with a flower.

Usually green, sepals typically function as protection for the flower in bud, and often as support for the petals when in bloom.

terminal -- Located at the end (the tip or the apex).

capsule -- a type of simple, dry fruit produced by many species of flowering plants. In most cases the capsule splits apart to release seeds.

fruit -- any seed-bearing structure in flowering plants. It is formed from the ovary after flowering.

In an opposite leaf arrangement the leaves come in pairs with one leaf on each side of a stem.

sessile -- attached without a stalk. For example, a leaf that clasps the stalk. A petiolate leaf has a stalk.

alternate -- leaves alternate along the main stem and are attached singly.

glabrous -- smooth, glossy, having no bristles or hair-like structures. Bald.

meadow -- Large grass and wildflower filled area with few, if any, trees.