King’s crown, Rhodiola integrifolia, is another pretty succulent that is similar to rose crown, Rhodiola  rhodantha (which is also called queen’s crown, to stick with the royal theme).  King’s crown differs by having a flatter, deeper red flower cluster that delivers a visual wallop.  The buds are an even darker red, as can be seen in the second photo.

Rhodiola integrifolia ssp. integrifolia (once known as Sedum roseum or Sedum integrifolium) grows throughout the west and can be referred to as ledge stonecrop, western roseroot or pacific roseroot as well as king’s crown.  In the Rocky Mountains, it can often be found in similar environments to R. rhodantha, but it seems to be able to tolerate drier, rocky conditions at times.

The Flora and Fauna Northwest website insists that “the leaves of roseroot are juicy and can provide liquid when water is not available. They are also high in vitamins A and C, and the leaves, shoots, and rhizomes may be eaten raw or cooked.”  I seem to have stumbled upon some non-threatening plant-life for a change!  That same site states, “Stonecrops are easily propagated by leaf- or stem-cuttings. Place a stem in well-drained soil during the moist season, and it should begin to form roots quickly.”  I can attest to this, as I have a type of stonecrop in my garden (purchased at a local nursery–please leave the king’s crown in the mountains where it belongs!) that I have transplanted bits of, and it is growing happily in all the new spots with very little help from me.