Gentiana lutea (Yellow Gentian)


Botanical Information

FamilyGentianaceae
GenusGentiana
Specieslutea
CategoryPerennials
OriginNative to the mountains of central and southern Europe.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
The root is occasionally used in the manufacture of gentian bitters and as flavouring in beer before the use of hops.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height1.2 m
Spread0.6 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodJuly, August

Description and Growing Information

PropagationSeed.
CultivationFull sun and partial-shade. Well-drained soil with a pH of acidic, neutral and alkaline. Prefers sandy, loamy and clay soils.
Notable SpecimensThe University of Alberta Botanic Garden, Devon, Alberta, Canada.
HabitatGrassy alpine.
Leaf DescriptionLarge, elliptical and opposed leaves. Hollow stalk that grows up to 1 m high.
Flower DescriptionThe tap root forms a single basal rosette. The stalk bears a wheel-shaped 5-pointed corolla. The flowers are hermaphrodite.
Colour DescriptionThe blooms are a yellowish-gold. The leaves are a bluish-green.

Photographs