Rhodiola rosea is a long-lived perennial plant in the Sedum or Crassulaceae Family. It grows in the wild in specific areas of the Circum-polar Northern Hemisphere. In other words, it prefers cold northern climates. If the temperatures are too hot, it will not survive. If the climate is extremely cold, it will survive, but it will grow slowly. It is picky, yet it is a survivor. If you want to grow Rhodiola rosea for commercial purposes, you will need the right climate, amount of precipitation and soil. Please read The Essentials Article for a bit more detail on Rhodiola’s growing requirements and preferences.
Rhodiola rosea – Botany
Rhodiola plants are perennial herbs growing 5–35 cm high. The plant has succulent leaves on numerous leafy stems, with succulent rhizomes and yellow flowers. The flowers are dioecious (plants are either male or female). However, in Alberta, we have observed many plants that have both male and female flowers (hermaphrodites). It has ground level or under-ground horizontal or vertical stems and is often branched. The tap-roots are fleshy and scaly. Rhodiola rosea is a hemicryptophyte, which is an herbaceous growth form with perennating tissue (buds) at the soil surface. These “buds” are the vegetative means of surviving unfavorable conditions (storage and reproductive organs) while the aerial leaves and stem can die and be replaced annually.
Rhodiola generally flowers from May to June and the seeds ripen from July to August. The flower is insect pollinated, primarily by bees and flies. The female plants produce small capsule-like fruits, and fruiting stems persist from earlier years. The fruit is 4–6 mm long, 3–5 mm wide, is red to pale red, plump, erect, and hairy. The seeds are small 1.5 – 2 mm long, and few are produced in the first
year.
Rhodiola rosea – what’s in a name?
The Latin term – Rhodiola rosea, or R rosea L. – refers to the genus and species for this amazing adaptogen. Rhodiola is the genus for 26 to 200+ different species. The number of plants depends on whether or not the author assigns Sedums into the genus. The term Rhodiola usually refers to thick-leaved succulents which grow in high altitudes in cold circum-polar regions.
The species name – rosea – refers to the ‘rose-like’ smell of the root. Compared to a tea rose, there is no comparison, but the odor is unique, somewhat sweet and spicy, although some would consider it strong and heady.
Rhodiola comes from the Greek word ‘Rhodon’, which means rose. Combined with the species term, rosea, this plant could be called Rose rose!?!
The plant has been given many familiar names, such as orpine rose, golden root, roseroot, alpine rose, Aaron’s rod, king’s crown and Arctic root. Many groups have their own name for Rhodiola rosea, and these groups will brew the root as a tea, make a tincture, or use the stems and leaves in preparing meals. The many names for the same plant suggest a favorable, highly regarded status among multiple groups.
What are the traditional uses for Rhodiola rosea?
The main traditional uses for Rhodiola rosea are for stress, anxiety and fatigue. But there are specific uses in select groups of people around the world, such as treating urinary disorders, infections, colds and toothaches. Given the wide diversity that we know exists in the species, is it possible that there are unique strains growing in select areas of the world that have these special beneficial/curative properties? North American clinical studies have focused on stress, depression and cognitive function. Possibly there is much more to learn.
Disclaimer: This Knowledge Base is primarily about How to Grow Rhodiola rosea, and the authors are more versed in the ‘how to’s’ rather than the ‘what for’s’. Many growers use Rhodiola rosea either on a daily basis or when we need that extra energy boost, relief from stress or anxiety, etc. We know from experience that it works, but we are not the experts in dosing or physical/chemical interactions. Below are a few links from those more knowledgeable in what Rhodiola rosea can do for you. Rhodiola Growers of Canada does not have the expertise to recommend the practices in these articles, nor are we supported by any of these companies. These articles are only provided for information.
Rhodiola – Uses, Side effects, and more – Web MD