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Caprifoliaceae
Horse Gentian
Triosteum perfoliatum
Woodland medicine and humble strength.
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Genus
- Triosteum
- Native to
- eastern North America
- Bloom season
- Late Spring, Early Summer
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 60–120 cm
- Sunlight
- part shade to full shade
- Soil
- moist, rich, well-drained woodland soil
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 4–8
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Despite the name, horse gentian is not a true gentian — it belongs to the honeysuckle family.
- The bright orange berries were roasted and ground as a coffee substitute during the American Civil War.
- Its species name 'perfoliatum' means the stem appears to pass directly through the fused leaf bases.
- Native Americans used root preparations as a fever reducer and laxative.
- The small, inconspicuous flowers are often overlooked, but the showy orange fruits persist well into winter.
Color meanings
Maroon
hidden medicinal value