Bitterwort, Meadow Closed Gentian, Meadow Bottle Gentian
Gentiana andrewsii, commonly called bottle gentian, is a native wildflower which is most often found in moist woods, thickets and low wooded areas near streams and ponds. Typically grows 1-2' tall and features tight clusters of tubular (bottle-shaped), deep blue flowers which never open. Flower clusters appear at the tops of the stems or in the upper leaf axils in late summer to early autumn. Ovate, lance-shaped leaves (to 4" long) with parallel veins. Sometimes also commonly called closed gentian.
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Larval Host for the
1-2'
1-1.5'
SIZE
SOIL
Medium, Moist, Well-Drained, Acidic, Rich, Humus
LIGHT
Part Shade
BENEFITS
Bumblebees
NOTES
Name honors King Gentius of Illyria (reign c. 180-168) B.C., who was reputed to have discovered the medicinal virtues of the root of the yellow gentian or bitterwort (G. lutea) from which a tonic bitters is still made.
CHARACTERISTICS
Low Maintenance, Tolerates Clay, Tolerates Deer, Will Naturalize
October
Plant, Flower
This
flowers in
Closed Bottle Gentian
Gentiana clausa
DETAIL VIEW
DESCRIPTION
Gentiana andrewsii, commonly called bottle gentian, is a native wildflower which is most often found in moist woods, thickets and low wooded areas near streams and ponds. Typically grows 1-2' tall and features tight clusters of tubular (bottle-shaped), deep blue flowers which never open. Flower clusters appear at the tops of the stems or in the upper leaf axils in late summer to early autumn. Ovate, lance-shaped leaves (to 4" long) with parallel veins. Sometimes also commonly called closed gentian.
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database