bottle gentian

Gentiana andrewsii, commonly known as the closed bottle gentian, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. The flowers are a striking blue-purple color and are shaped like small bottles with closed mouths, hence the common name "closed bottle gentian".

Gentiana andrewsii is found in moist, shady habitats such as meadows, swamps, and along streambanks. It is a popular plant in ornamental gardens due to its striking appearance, but it is also an important plant for wildlife as it provides nectar for bees and butterflies. Additionally, the plant has a history of use in traditional medicine for various ailments, including digestive problems and fever.

Gentiana andrewsii typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet and has a cluster of unbranched stems that emerge from a basal rosette.

The leaves lance-shaped and arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. They are dark green in color and have a smooth texture. The leaves can grow up to 4 inches in length and 1 inch in width.

The flowers are a striking blue-purple color and are shaped like small bottles with closed mouths. They grow in clusters at the top of the stem and bloom from August to October. The petals of the flower are fused at the base to form a tube that is about 1 inch in length. The flower tube then opens up into five pointed lobes, revealing the stamens and style inside. The flowers are pollinated by bees that are strong enough to push their way into the closed flower to reach the nectar at the base.

After the flowers have been pollinated, they develop into small, rounded capsules that contain numerous tiny seeds. The capsules split open when mature, releasing the seeds.

Gentiana andrewsii has a fibrous root system that spreads out horizontally just beneath the surface of the soil. The roots are important for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.

Sources

2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 24, 28, 29, 30.

I was a minute late with the camera, as a Bumble Bees was backing out of the bottle.

Plant

Inflorescence

Location: Savage Fen SNA

Location: Pennington County

I was a minute late with the camera, as a Bumble Bees was backing out of the bottle.