Habitat and Range
Roseroot can be found growing in alpine meadows and dry rocky places from Tulare to Eldorado Co. at altitudes ranging from 7500 to 12,500 ft.
Physical Description
This Sedum species has vertically-oriented stems with alternate, thinly succulent leaves sessile to the plant stem. Growing about 2 to 5 inches tall with a purple terminal inflorescence of 4-merous flowers, Roseroot stands out well in its sparsely-vegetated habitat. Entire herb is glabrous (or smooth). It is very similar in appearance to other species of the genus Sedum.
Food Uses
The entire herb can be used in salad or boiled as a potherb and seems less bitter than most of its stonecrop relatives. As with most vegetative use, the stems and leaves are best tasting and more nutritious in the spring before flowering occurs. Likewise, the rosy-smelling rhizome should be gathered in early spring or fall. The leaves are high in Vitamin A and C.
Medicinal Uses
Infusions of both the leaf and root have been used for cold remedies, eye washes and sore throat medications. Alaskan natives chew the root and use it as a poultice for cuts. The Chinese frequently use a similar preparation for skin burns and boils.
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