Family: Gentianaceae
Author: Griseb.
Bibliography: W.J.Hooker, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 56 (1837)
Year: 1837
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Gentiana
Vegetable: False
Observations: SW. Canada to W. & C. U.S.A.
Description
Pleated gentian, scientifically known as Gentiana affinis, is a captivating plant species found primarily in southwest Canada and across the western and central regions of the United States. Documented in 1837 by W.J. Hooker in “Flora Boreali-Americana”, this plant belongs to the family Gentianaceae and carries the scholarly authority of Griseb.
The pleated gentian is renowned for its striking blue-hued flowers, which lend a burst of color to the landscape. The flowers showcase a pleated appearance, a unique trait that sets it apart from other gentians. Typically, this plant thrives in moist, alpine environments, often found in meadows, grasslands, and along streams.
The species is a perennial herb, which implies that it returns year after year, contributing to the perennial charm of the regions it inhabits. It typically blooms during the late summer and early autumn months, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which play a crucial role in its reproduction.
Understanding the ecological importance of Gentiana affinis requires recognizing its role in native ecosystems. It offers both aesthetic and ecological value, providing habitat and sustenance for various insects that rely on its nectar.
Preservation efforts for the pleated gentian are vital, especially in areas where its natural habitats might be threatened. Conservation of wetlands and meadow ecosystems can help ensure that this beautiful species continues to be a part of the floristic diversity for future generations to appreciate.
To sum up, Gentiana affinis is not just a plant of visual interest; it is an essential contributor to its native habitats’ biodiversity and ecological balance. Its enduring presence in the North American landscape is a testament to the intricate beauty and resilience of nature.
Common Names
Eng: pleated gentian, rocky mountain gentian, oblong-leaved gentian, prairie gentian
Fra: gentiane affine
En: Pleated gentian, Northern Gentian, Trapper’s Gentian, ROCKY MOUNTAIN GENTIAN, Prairie gentian, Oblong-leaved gentian
Fr: Gentiane affine
Synonyms
- Pneumonanthe oregana ((Engelm. ex A.Gray) Greene)
- Gentiana affinis subsp. rusbyi ((Greene ex Kusn.) Halda)
- Pneumonanthe affinis ((Griseb.) Greene)
- Dasystephana oregana ((Engelm. ex A.Gray) Rydb.)
- Dasystephana oxyloba (Greene)
- Dasystephana bigelovii ((A.Gray) Rydb.)
- Gentiana rusbyi (Greene ex Kusn.)
- Pneumonanthe bigelovii ((A.Gray) Greene)
- Pneumonanthe rusbyi ((Greene ex Kusn.) Greene)
- Gentiana interrupta (Greene)
- Gentiana affinis var. brachycalyx (A.Gray)
- Gentiana affinis var. forwoodii ((A.Gray) Kusn.)
- Gentiana affinis var. bigelovii ((A.Gray) Kusn.)
- Pneumonanthe interrupta ((Greene) Greene)
- Pneumonanthe forwoodii ((A.Gray) Greene)
- Gentiana forwoodii (A.Gray)
- Gentiana oregana (Engelm. ex A.Gray)
- Dasystephana forwoodii ((A.Gray) Rydb.)
- Dasystephana rusbyi ((Greene ex Kusn.) Wooton & Standl.)
- Dasystephana interrupta ((Greene) Rydb.)
- Gentiana bigelovii (A.Gray)
- Dasystephana affinis ((Griseb.) Rydb.)
- Gentiana affinis var. parvidentata (Kusn.)
- Gentiana affinis var. ovata (A.Gray)
- Gentiana affinis var. major (A.Nelson & J.F.Macbr.)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 7, 2000 by EOL − Jo-Ann Ordano (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2015 by EOL − naturalist eve (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 8, 2014 by EOL − Chris Pincetich (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 4, 2013 by EOL − Mary Winter (public)
Taken Aug 22, 2019 by Scarlett & Ashley Sloman (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 29, 2022 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 8, 2014 by EOL − Chris Pincetich (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 18, 2001 by EOL − Robert Potts (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 14, 2014 by EOL − Frederic Leist (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 14, 2014 by EOL − Frederic Leist (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Wagner, W.L. (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3170072)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:367711-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gentiana affinis Griseb.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb