Final Student Project Brittney Manzagol
Evaluation of Growing Conditions for Rhodiola integrifolia in the Ouray and San Miguel County Region
Abstract
Evaluation of Growing Conditions for Rhodiola integrifolia in the Ouray and San Miguel County Region
The purpose of this study is identification of optimal growing conditions for the plant species Rhodiola integrifolia and Rhodiola rosea. Rhodiola rosea is a member of the Rhodiola genus, and is recognized as an important medicinal herb. In many areas of the world, over harvesting Rhodiola rosea is threatening the species. Since Rhodiola rosea does not grow in Western Colorado, Rhodiola integrifolia was studied as a close replacement. This study was conducted in Ouray and San Miguel counties in July of 2009, to determine the best growing conditions for the Rhodiola rosea. Five plots were observed, one as an example of Rhodiola integrifolia growing in a controlled farm environment in the Uncompahgre Valley, two in Bridal Veil Basin that mimicked the farm conditions, and two in Bridal Veil Basin that were areas where the plant was growing prevalently.
The high elevation of Bridal Veil Basin was determined to be the most optimal natural growing area. The plants located lower in the basin identified a less desirable growing condition for the plants due to more competition from other plant species. Although the farm is located at a lower elevation than the wild Rhodiola plants growing in the region, it proved to provide the most favorable growing conditions.
