Northern gentian (Gentianella amarella sp.) is an annual or biennial in the harebell family.
- Stems grow from taproots (10 – 40 cm tall).
- Basal leaves are usually elliptical – lanceolate shaped.
- Pairs of green-purple lanceloate leaves are spaced on the stems.
- An infloresence of pink-purplish flowers form at the ends of stems.
- The flowers are distinct with a five part tubular shape, and prominent hairs.
- Photos by the author. Click an image for a lightbox view and a caption.
- Seed capsules form after flowering.
- Although the flowering plant can be spotted at lower elevations, we rarely see it in the more arid lower valleys. We can reliably spot it in higher subalpine areas in summer.
