Wikimedia Commons
Gentianaceae
Pine Barrens Gentian
Gentiana autumnalis
Rare beauty, perseverance in fragile habitats.
- Family
- Gentianaceae
- Genus
- Gentiana
- Native to
- eastern United States
- Bloom season
- Fall
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 15–45 cm
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- acidic, sandy, moist
- Water
- moderate to high
- Hardiness
- 5–8
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- It is endemic to the Pine Barrens of New Jersey and a few scattered coastal plain sites, making it quite rare.
- The flowers open only on sunny days and twist shut at night or in cloudy weather.
- It depends on periodic wildfire to clear competing vegetation — fire suppression has reduced its habitat.
- Gentians were named after Illyrian King Gentius, who reportedly discovered the plant's medicinal properties around 150 BCE.
- It is listed as endangered or threatened in every state where it occurs.
Color meanings
Blue
steadfastness against the odds
Violet
quiet wonder