Wikimedia Commons
Gentianaceae
Cross Gentian
Gentiana cruciata
Faith and inner strength.
- Family
- Gentianaceae
- Genus
- Gentiana
- Native to
- Europe, Western Asia
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- Perennial
- Height
- 20-50 cm
- Sunlight
- Full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- Well-draining, calcareous
- Water
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- 3-8
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Did you know
- The name 'cruciata' means cross-shaped, referring to how the opposite leaves form a cross pattern on the stem.
- It is the primary host plant for the rare Alcon blue butterfly, which depends on it for reproduction.
- The Alcon blue butterfly caterpillar tricks ants into raising it by mimicking ant larvae chemical signals.
- Gentians are named after Gentius, an ancient Illyrian king who supposedly discovered their medicinal properties.
- Unlike many gentians, this species tolerates alkaline soils, making it easier to grow in gardens.
Color meanings
0
You are unjust
1
Intrinsic worth
2
Sweetness