Rhodiola Rhodantha, Queen's Crown

Rhodiola rhodantha is a succulent plant, with thick, fleshy leaves growing close together in a regular arrangement all along the stem; those towards the upper end turn bright red as they mature, starting at the edges, while all become red as they start to wither. Stems are topped with a rounded cluster of red or pink flowers; each has 5 or 6 small petals, pointing upwards, surrounded by the same number of pointed sepals. Inside are reddish stamens with dark purple tips, and a split stigma, while underneath are reddish bracts.

Plants inhabit wet areas of mountains, up to 12,000 feet, found most commonly in bogs or along streambanks. This species is very similar to rhodiola integrifolia (king's crown), differences being the generally lighter flower color, and the shape of the flower cluster (rounded rather than flat-topped).