Alpine Gentian

Gentiana newberryi

Native to:
United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Gentianaceae
Genus:
Gentiana
Species:
Gentiana newberryi
USDA Symbol:
GENE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
10 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
white, blue, purple
Ground Cover:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Kellogg's Oncocnemis (Oncocnemis kelloggii), Syngrapha hochenwarthi, 🛑Behr's sulphur (Colias behrii)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bumblebees
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained alpine soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
native to high elevation meadows and rocky slopes

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Requires 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