Prairie Gentian

Did you know

• Prairie gentian is sold worldwide as 'lisianthus' in the cut flower trade, a name derived from the Greek lysis (dissolution) and anthos (flower), once thought medicinal.
• Japan's cut flower industry is the world's largest producer of lisianthus, growing hundreds of millions of stems annually — ironic for a Great Plains wildflower.
• In the wild, it grows in limestone prairies and along creek beds in the Midwest, often going unnoticed as a gangly green weed until its flowers open.
• The ruffled, poppy-like buds open progressively up the branching stem, with a single plant providing weeks of continuous bloom.
• The genus name Eustoma means 'good mouth' or 'open mouthed' in Greek — describing the wide-open, cup-shaped flowers.

Color meanings

Uses

• cut flower
• ornamental
• florist trade