Native Plants
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Gentiana alba
Gentiana alba Muhl. ex Nutt.
Plain Gentian, Yellow Gentian, Cream Gentian
Gentianaceae (Gentian Family)
Synonym(s): Gentiana flavida
USDA Symbol: GEAL4
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Upright stems, 18-36 in. tall, end in a cluster of cream, funnel-shaped flowers, opening slightly at the tips. Bright green, opposite leaves line the stems.
The Gentians are named after King Gentius of ancient Illyria, who is said to have discovered the medicinal value of these plants.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AR , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , MD , MI , MN , MO , NC , NE , OH , OK , PA , WI , WVCanada: ON
Native Distribution: PA, s. Ont., MI & Man., s. to n.w. NC & n. AR & KS
Native Habitat: Damp woods; prairies; meadows
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, well-drained soils.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Bumble BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Commercially Avail: yesNational Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FACU | FAC | FACU | FACU |
Bibliography
Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, SallySearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona ChapterAdditional resources
USDA: Find Gentiana alba in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Gentiana alba in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Gentiana alba
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-13Research By: TWC Staff