Autumn Dwarf Gentian
Gentianella amarella
- Native to:
- Aleutian Is., Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Krym, Labrador, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Ukraine, United States
iNaturalist: © svetlana-bogdanovich (iNaturalist #56047019)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Gentianaceae
- Genus:
- Gentianella
- Species:
- Gentianella amarella
- USDA Symbol:
- GEAM3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Biennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 40 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, blue, pink, white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Yellow head bumble bee (Bombus flavifrons), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- calcareous, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- often found in limestone grasslands
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination. 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).
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow at 4°C for 3 months, then place @ 20°C for 3 months. * avoid pricking out individually, transplant seedlings in clumps