Sedum algidum (Ledebour) Fischer & C. A. Meyer var. tanguticum Maximowicz, Bull. Acad. Imp. Sci. Saint-Pétersbourg, Sér. 3, 29: 126. 1883; Rhodiola algida Ledebour var. tangutica (Maximowicz) S. H. Fu.

Plants glabrous. Caudex robust, long; persistent old flowering stems sometimes present, few. Caudex leaves sessile, scalelike, triangular. Flowering stems straw-colored (or at least dusky) when dry and 10-17(-30) cm in male plants, brown and 15-30 cm in female plants. Leaf blade linear, 8-15 × 0.5-2 mm, apex obtusely acuminate. Inflorescences corymbiform to obconical, compact, to 5 × 5 cm in female plants, bracteate. Flowers unequally 5-merous. Sepals linear-oblong, 2.5-3 × 0.5-0.6 mm in male flowers, 3-3.5 × 0.5-0.7 mm in female flowers, apex obtuse. Petals pinkish when dry, oblong-lanceolate, ca. 4.5 × 1.2 mm, apex obtusely acuminate. Stamens 10; antepetalous ones ca. 2.5 mm, inserted ca. 1.5 mm from petal base. Nectar scales quadrate, apex emarginate. Follicles erect, narrowly lanceolate, to 10 mm, apical beak erect or ± recurved, short. Fl. May-Aug, fr. Aug.

This species is used medicinally.

* Rock crevices in alpine areas, beside water; 2100-4700 m. Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan.