Roseroot: Sedum rosea

Other names: King’s crown

There are over 600 species of stonecrops worldwide, that range from the middle of the jungles in tropical regions to the tops of arctic mountains. This species stretches the extremes of the cold northern mountain tops. Its an interesting plant that can grow on very poor soil on precarious mountain ridges. This is where it is usually found as well. Its also a very distinctive plant as the bright green ‘crown’ of the plant contrasts well with the bright green leaves and stalks.

Medicinal Uses: Not much is known of the chemicals in roseroot that may cause healing. However, two Indian groups from the Americas and Asia, use the roseroot as a kind of aloe vera substance for burns and skin eruptions. This is probably partly due to the succulent nature of the plant.

Food Use: Like most plants in this region, the best time to collect the leaves for salads and soups is before the flower stalks emerge in the spring. After the flowers have emerged, its probably best to wait until the roots can be harvested in the fall. There is a distinctive rose flavor to this plant, hence the common name, ‘rose-root’.