Angiosperms: Dicotyledons

Gentianaceae
Gentian Family

• Stem: perennial; 2’ to 2 1/2’ tall; unbranched; smooth.
• Leaves: opposite; oval with rounded, clasping bases and pointed tips; smooth edges; smooth above and below.
• Inflorescence: clusters of several flowers in the uppermost leaf axils.
• Flowers: corolla light yellow to greenish white, 1 5/8” long with 3/16” lobes; calyx 5/8” long, lobes 1/4”, sharp-pointed; flowering from late August to mid-September.
• Fruits: seedpods mature within the drying corollas; 1 1/2” long, splitting into two halves; seeds numerous and tiny; fruiting begins in early September.
• Habitat: very uncommon on prairies and in open places to open woods; moist to dry soil.
• Bibliography from Biodiversity Heritage Library