Closed Gentian

Common name: Closed Gentian (Bottle Gentian)

Scientific name: Gentiana andrewsii

Dimensions:
    Flower: 1-1½" (2.5-4 cm) long
    Plant height: 1-2' (30-60 cm)

Blooming period: August-October

Habitat: Moist thickets and meadows

Description: Bottle-like, cylindrical flowers with 5 deep blue-purple petals that stay closed, joined by a fringed whitish membrane; flowers in tight clusters on stem tops, occasionally in axils of upper leaves. Leaves 2-4" (5-10 cm) long, whorled directly below the flower cluster; those lower on stem opposite; leaves ovate to lanceolate with a smooth margin. One of the most common perennial gentians; easy to grow in a moist wildflower garden. Gentian family. (September 1)