Narrowleaf Gentian
Gentiana linearis
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, United States
iNaturalist: © gglynn (iNaturalist #128032592)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Gentianaceae
- Genus:
- Gentiana
- Species:
- Gentiana linearis
- USDA Symbol:
- GELI3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, violet
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bumblebees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, well-drained acidic soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers cool, mountainous regions with high organic matter
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; sow on surface. Cold stratification improves germination rates significantly.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Expose to fluctuation outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in the spring. * hard to germinate, avoid pricking out individually, transplant seedlings in clumps