Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Gentianaceae

Genus:

Gentiana

Species:

Gentiana austromontana

USDA Symbol:

GEAU3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

20 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

blue, violet

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained acidic soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to high-elevation Appalachian regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Seeds require light for germination; sow on surface and do not cover. Cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI