Autumn Gentian

Gentiana autumnalis (jen-shee-AN-uh aw-tum-NAH-lis)

Family: Gentianaceae Native Herbaceous (1-3 ft)

Pinebarren gentian is a native herbaceous perennial wildflower found in New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Northwest Mexico. It is typically found in the coastal plains and sandhills of longleaf pine savannas, pine flatwoods, sandhills, and pine barrens. It is most often found in the southern coastal plains and the sandhills of North Carolina. It grows up to 1.5 feet tall, has a very slender stem, and has linear, glossy, dark green, opposite leaves. It has deep blue, funnel-shaped flowers with 5 lobes. The flower measures about 2 inches long and equally as wide. Blooms appear in late September through December. This plant is a member of the gentian family (Gentianaceae). The genus name, Gentiana , is named in honor of King Gentius of Illyria, who is thought to have discovered the medicinal value of Gentian root. The specific epithet, autumnalis , is Latin, meaning "of autumn," and refers to its blooming period. Grown in full sun to partial shade and thrives in moist to dry, well-drained, acidic, sandy soils. Attracts bees and hummingbirds. Propagated by seeds and division. Pinebarren gentian is a very inconspicuous wildflower, and it is often missed in the wild, except when flowering. Sitings of this plant are declining. Previously, it was found in 26 counties in North Carolina; currently, it is in only 17 and is listed as vulnerable. It is found in 2 counties in Virginia and 3 in South Carolina, and it is listed as critically imperiled or imperiled, respectively. This is a difficult plant to grow in home gardens, and is not a good plant for novice gardeners. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for spider mites and mealybugs. Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust can occur.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 55 attributes.