Native Plants
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.
Gentiana clausa
Gentiana clausa Raf.
Bottle Gentian, Blind Gentian
Gentianaceae (Gentian Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: GECL
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Paired, lance-shaped leaves line the usually unbranched, 2 ft. stem. Small groups of blue flowers, which always remain closed, occur in tight clusters at the top of the stem and, in well-developed plants, from lower leaf axils. Upper flowers are subtended by a whorl of leaves.
Bottle Gentian is a member of the family Gentianaceae. Gentians are leafy herbs, commonly with showy bell- or trumpet-shaped flowers blooming in a branched cluster. There are about 70 genera and 1,100 species that occur in many different habitats in temperate and subtropical regions. Some gentians are cultivated as ornamentals.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: BlueBloom Time: Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: CT , DC , MA , MD , ME , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , TN , VA , VT , WVNative Distribution: ME to NY, s. to NJ & along mts. to NC
Native Habitat: Wood borders; stream banks
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist, rich soil.
Conditions Comments: Strong grower. A mulch of rotted leaves or compost in the spring is beneficial.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesValue to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Bumble BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Propagate by seed or divisions of the root crown. Divide root crowns in fall or early spring and plant 1 ft. apart. Be sure to include a large ball of soil aroung the division when you lift it out. This protects the brittle crown. Germination of seedSeed Collection: The dried corolla remains intact around the brown capsule as it matures. Seeds are collected just before the first hard freeze when the capsules begin to open and curl back. Tap seed out and store dry in sealed, refrigerated containers for up to four years.
Seed Treatment: Stratify 3 months at 40 degrees.
Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FAC | FACW | FACW | FACW |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Web Reference
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona ChapterAdditional resources
USDA: Find Gentiana clausa in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Gentiana clausa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Gentiana clausa
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-13Research By: TWC Staff