Sign In 
Get Premium Plain Gentian
(Gentiana alba)
Plain Gentian (Gentiana alba)
/
/
© Elias
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
© Elias
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Elias | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: elias105 | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Gentiana alba, commonly known as Plain Gentian, is a deciduous perennial herb native to prairies, meadows, and savannas in the Central United States. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). The plant features upright stems with lance-shaped leaves and is known for its striking flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. The blooms are tubular, with a combination of white, yellow, and green hues, and are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Plain Gentian is valued for its unique flower coloration and its adaptability to a range of garden settings. It is often used in wildflower gardens, native plant landscapes, and as a border plant. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils. While it is relatively low maintenance, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Plain Gentian is not commonly affected by serious pests or diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soils. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plain Gentian is valued for its unique flower coloration and its adaptability to a range of garden settings. It is often used in wildflower gardens, native plant landscapes, and as a border plant. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils. While it is relatively low maintenance, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Plain Gentian is not commonly affected by serious pests or diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soils. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White, Yellow, Green
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Native to prairies, meadows, and savannas in the Central United States
Other Names
Common Names: Yellow Gentian, Pale Gentian, White Gentian, White Prairie Gentian, Yellowish Gentian, Gentiane Blanche
Scientific Names: , Gentiana alba, Gentiana flavida, Pneumonanthe flavida, Dasystephana flavida,
GBIF Accepted Name: Gentiana alba Muhl.