Rainier Pleated Gentian
Gentiana calycosa
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
iNaturalist: © sheriff_woody_pct (iNaturalist #30448175)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Gentianaceae
- Genus:
- Gentiana
- Species:
- Gentiana calycosa
- USDA Symbol:
- GECA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bumblebees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to alpine and subalpine meadows
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Requires light for germination; sow on surface. Cool temperatures (50-60°F) improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds are treated with 1000 ppm gibberellic acid soak with distilled water for 15 minutes, then rinsed with running water for 10 minutes. Imbibed seeds are placed on moistened paper towels using distilled water in open plastic bags under refrigeration at 2C for 100 days.
Establishment: Seeds are hand collected when capsules begin to split at the top. Seeds are tan at maturity. This species flowers in late summer and mature seeds are sometimes difficult to obtain before snowfall in September. A cutting test is essential prior to collection to ensure seed maturity and fill.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months * avoid pricking out individually, transplant seedlings in clumps