Gentiana alba (called plain, pale, white, cream, or yellow gentian) is a herbaceous species of flowering plant in the Gentian family Gentianaceae, producing yellowish-white colored flowers from thick white taproots. It is native to North America from Manitoba through Ontario in the north, south to Oklahoma, Arkansas and North Carolina, and it is listed as rare, endangered, threatened or extirpated in parts of this range.
Family:
Gentianaceae (Gentian)
Height:
1 to 3 feet
Leaves:
Opposite and lance-shaped, no teeth, glossy, with 3 veins
Flower:
Cream colored tubular flowers form a cluster at the top of plant and in leaf axils
Bloom time:
August-October
Nicknames:
May also go by Latin name Gentiana alba
Pale Gentian, Yellow Gentian, Plain Gentian, White Gentian
Habitat:
Open woods, meadows
Wildlife Benefits:
Flowers are attractive to bumblebees, who pry open the flowers.
Can I plant this in my garden?
Plant in full sun to part shade in moist soils.
References:
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/yellow-gentian
https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/cr_gentian.htm
Family | Gentianaceae |
---|---|
Habit | Forb |
Flower | white |
Origin | native |
Life cycle | perennial |
Bloom time | (8) August, (9) September, 10 - October |
*sites | Lake Phalen, Snail Lake |