ENGLISH NAME: Common rock-rose
LATIN NAME: Helianthemum nummularium
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Devaterník penízkovitý
Turkey: Kaya gülleri / Sarı kaya gülü
Bulgaria: Желтак
Georgia: ყვითელი კლდის ვარდი (Qviteli kldis
vardi)
COUNTRY: Bulgaria, Czechia, Turkey, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Moravian Karst (Czechia), Aegean and Mediterranean limestone hills
(Turkey), Stara Planina and Sredna Gora (Bulgaria), limestone ridges in Kartli
(Georgia)
Elevation: 200–1600 meters
Terrain: Dry calcareous grasslands, rocky slopes, open scrub, and sunny alpine
meadows
DESCRIPTION:
A low-growing, woody-stemmed perennial with small, oval, grey-green leaves and
bright yellow, five-petaled flowers resembling miniature wild roses. It forms
dense mats and thrives in poor, dry, well-drained soils. Flowers bloom from
late spring through summer and are pollinator-friendly.
USABLE PARTS: Aerial parts –
flowering tops and leaves
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Traditionally used for its mild astringent, anti-inflammatory, and
wound-healing properties. Also noted in Bach flower remedies for emotional
resilience and calming anxiety. Historically applied to treat diarrhea and
minor skin irritations.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Very well tolerated; no major contraindications known. Rarely, mild allergic
skin reaction may occur when used topically.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Can be blended with agrimony or sage for astringent tea formulas, or with
calendula and yarrow for skin-healing preparations.
PREPARATION:
Used as an infusion (tea) or external wash from dried flowering tops. Fresh
plant may be macerated in oil for skin salves or creams. Sometimes included in
homeopathic or flower essence preparations.
HARVEST TIME:
Late spring to midsummer, during peak flowering (May–July)
HARVEST METHOD:
Clip flowering tops on a dry morning when flowers are open. Avoid cutting too
close to the woody base to allow regrowth.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Dry in a warm, shaded, and ventilated space. Store in airtight containers,
protected from light and moisture. Best used within one year.