DownyGentian

Downy Gentian (Gentiana puberula)

(Picture taken 9/25/08)

Downy Gentian produces up to 10 flowers, each bell-shaped with vivid blue-violet flowers. One of the longest lasting flowers as winter approaches. Downy Gentian blooms from August through October. Downy Gentian is drought resistant and prefers dryer, well-draining soil types such as gravel, sand, and clay and is found in hilly prairies, upland woods, and along railroads. Also preferring fully sunny environments, Downy Gentian is a low growing plant with a height ranging from eight to twenty inches. There are many types of gentians, most of which have blue flowers, the alpine blue gentian is most common. The gentian is named in honor of Gentius, King of Illyrica from 180 to 167 B.C., who was thought to be the first to discover its medicinal value.

Links: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/wildflowers/downygentian.html http://spuds.agron.ksu.edu/