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Alpine Gentian Wikimedia Commons
Gentianaceae

Alpine Gentian

Gentiana alpina

Discovery and mountain beauty.

Family
Gentianaceae
Genus
Gentiana
Native to
European Alps, Pyrenees
Bloom season
Spring, Summer
Type
perennial herb
Height
0.1-0.3 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
rocky, well-drained, slightly alkaline
Water
moderate
Hardiness
3-7
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • The genus is named after Gentius, an ancient Illyrian king who supposedly discovered the plant's medicinal properties.
  • Its intense blue color is among the purest blues found in nature, caused by specialized pigments called anthocyanins.
  • Gentian root has been used in European herbal medicine for over 2,000 years to aid digestion.
  • The famous liqueur Enzian is distilled from gentian roots and is a traditional Alpine digestif.
  • Some gentian species can live for over 50 years in undisturbed alpine meadows.

Color meanings

0

loveliness

1

intrinsic worth

2

You are unjust

Uses

  • rock gardens
  • alpine gardens
  • traditional herbal medicine