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King's-crown

Rhodiola integrifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

King's-crown (Rhodiola integrifolia)
Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Owen McElroy

Toxicity unknown

King's-crown (Rhodiola integrifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

2"–8" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MN and 8 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

King's-crown is a compact alpine succulent that forms tight, low mats of thick, blue-green leaves. It produces clusters of small pink to red flowers on short stems during summer months. This drought-tolerant plant maintains its foliage year-round and thrives in rocky, well-drained soils.

In an HOA neighborhood

King's-crown takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Very small size makes it appear sparse in typical landscaping
  • Alpine appearance may look too wild or undeveloped
  • Uncommon plant that HOAs might not recognize as intentional landscaping

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract bees and flies, providing nectar for pollinators during the peak growing season. Its compact growth makes it valuable for small beneficial insects seeking shelter.

Common questions

How much sun does King's-crown need?
King's-crown grows best in full sun conditions.
When does King's-crown bloom?
King's-crown blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is King's-crown native?
King's-crown (Rhodiola integrifolia) is native to CA, CO, ID, MN and 8 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does King's-crown attract?
King's-crown draws bees and flies.
Is King's-crown HOA-friendly?
King's-crown takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow King's-crown? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz