Gentiana clausa

General

A perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It is recognized for its unique, closed, bottle-shaped blue-purple flowers that remain sealed until pollinated by bumblebees strong enough to pry them open. Found in moist woods and meadows, often along bodies of water, bottle gentian blooms from late summer into early fall, adding a splash of color and intrigue to natural landscapes. Foliage and roots are bitter tasting, so herbivores often do not decimate it.