Share

Native Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

Search native plant database:
Name:    
Family:    

Gentiana calycosa (Rainier pleated gentian)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Gentiana calycosa Griseb.

Rainier pleated gentian

Gentianaceae (Gentian Family)

USDA Symbol: GECA

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The clump of 4-8 in. stems is ever-increasing. Leaves are opposite, about 1 in. long, somewhat oval, and sessile to the stem. Several leafy stems in a clump bear at the top 1-3 blue, broadly funnel-shaped flowers. The light to deep blue, tubular flowers are held erect at the ends of the stems. The blue of the flower is sometimes mottled with green and the inner cup is pale.

Gentians are among the loveliest of mountain wildflowers and are rock-garden favorites. The genus honors King Gentius of Illyria, ruler of an ancient country on the east side of the Adriatic Sea, who is reputed to have discovered medicinal virtues in gentian plants.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Blue
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct

Distribution

USA: CA , ID , MT , NV , OR , UT , WA , WY
Canada: AB , BC
Native Distribution: B.C. to n. CA, e. to w. MT & WY
Native Habitat: Moist, alpine or subalpine meadows & stream banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist, cool soil.
Conditions Comments: When using this gentian in a garden, conditions matching its wet, cold natural habitat must be met for any succuss.

Benefit

Warning: All parts of this plant, including the nectar, are poisonous if ingested. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Bumble Bees

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Gentiana calycosa in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Gentiana calycosa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Gentiana calycosa

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

Go back