Narrowleaf Gentian
(Gentiana linearis)
Narrowleaf Gentian (Gentiana linearis)
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peupleloup
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Photo by: peupleloup | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 | Uploader: File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Gentiana_linearis.jpg | Notes: |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Gentiana linearis, commonly known as Narrowleaf Gentian, is a perennial herb native to moist meadows, open woodlands, and grassy slopes in northeastern North America. It typically grows 1–2 ft (30–61 cm) tall and features paired, lanceolate leaves on usually unbranched stalks. The blue or purple flowers resemble those of the "bottle gentians" but remain closed or nearly closed, with the leaves being narrower as indicated by the specific name. The blooming season occurs in late summer to early fall, and while the flowers are not overtly showy due to their closed nature, they provide a subtle beauty to the landscape.
Narrowleaf Gentian is valued for its unique flower form and the vibrant color it adds to gardens. It is used in wildflower gardens, borders, and naturalized areas. This plant requires consistent moisture and is best suited for areas that can provide medium to high amounts of water. It thrives in soils with medium to fast drainage and prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. While it is not commonly found in cultivation due to its specific growing requirements and difficulty in transplanting, it can be a rewarding plant for gardeners who can replicate its native habitat conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Narrowleaf Gentian is valued for its unique flower form and the vibrant color it adds to gardens. It is used in wildflower gardens, borders, and naturalized areas. This plant requires consistent moisture and is best suited for areas that can provide medium to high amounts of water. It thrives in soils with medium to fast drainage and prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. While it is not commonly found in cultivation due to its specific growing requirements and difficulty in transplanting, it can be a rewarding plant for gardeners who can replicate its native habitat conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-2 feet
- Width: 0.5-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Moist meadows, open woodlands, and grassy slopes in northeastern North America
Other Names
Common Names: Bastard Gentian, Narrow-Leaved Gentian, Gentiane Linéaire, Gentiane À Feuilles Linéaires
Scientific Names: , Gentiana linearis, Gentiana pneumonanthe, Pneumonanthe linearis, Gentiana linearis var. linearis, Gentiana linearis f. blanchardii, Ciminalis linearis, Dasystephana linearis, Diploma hudsonica, Ericala linearis
GBIF Accepted Name: Gentiana linearis Froel.