Family: Gentianaceae
Author: (Froel.) Ma
Bibliography: Acta Phytotax. 1: 15 (1951)
Year: 1951
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Gentianopsis
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Canada to NC. & W. U.S.A.
Description
The fringed-gentian, a stunningly beautiful plant, is scientifically known as Gentianopsis crinita. This enchanting species is a member of the Gentianaceae family. It adds a splash of vibrant color to the regions it inhabits, ranging from southern Canada through the north-central United States to the western parts of the country. Its grace is most notably observed in pristine natural settings where it thrives.
A remarkable aspect of the fringed-gentian is its deeply fringed petals, which give the flower its common name. The elaborate fringes on the petals create a delicate, frilly appearance that sets it apart from other wildflowers. This feature not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also plays a crucial role in its reproduction process by attracting various pollinators.
The fringed-gentian typically blooms in late summer to early fall. Its flowers, usually striking deep blue to violet, present a bold contrast against the greens and browns of its natural environment. Each flower consists of four deeply fringed petals that open during the day and close at night or in cloudy, rainy weather, protecting their reproductive organs.
This plant’s habitat includes moist, open areas such as meadows, prairies, and woodland edges. It thrives in well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils with a preference for slightly acidic conditions. Though its presence indicates a healthy ecosystem, it requires protection from over-collection and habitat destruction.
First documented in Acta Phytotaxonomica in 1951, the fringed-gentian has been a subject of interest for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. Its scientific classification credits its formal identification to (Froel.) Ma, highlighting the ongoing efforts to catalog and preserve plant biodiversity.
For those who are fortunate enough to encounter the fringed-gentian in the wild, it represents a fleeting glimpse of nature’s intricate artistry. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure that this emblematic species continues to adorn the landscapes within its range, offering future generations the opportunity to appreciate its unique charm and ecological importance.
Common Names
Eng: fringed gentian, fringed-gentian, greater fringed gentian, greater fringed-gentian, common fringed gentian
Fra: gentiane frangée, gentianopsis frangé
En: Fringed-gentian, Greater fringed gentian, Greater Fringed-Gentian, Fringed gentian, Common fringed gentian
Fr: Gentiane frangée, Gentianopsis frangé
Synonyms
- Anthopogon incarnatus (Raf.)
- Anthopogon crinitus ((Froel.) Raf.)
- Anthopogon tonsus ((Lunell) Rydb.)
- Anthopogon ventricosus ((Griseb.) Rydb.)
- Gentiana americana (MacMill.)
- Gentiana ventricosa (Griseb.)
- Gentiana crinita var. tonsa ((Lunell) B.Boivin)
- Gentiana tonsa ((Lunell) Vict.)
- Gentiana detonsa var. tonsa (Lunell)
- Gentianopsis crinita subsp. macounii ((Holm) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
- Gentiana crinita f. albina (Fernald)
- Denckea crinita ((Froel.) Raf.)
- Gentianopsis crinita f. albina ((Fernald) Iltis)
- Gentianella crinita ((Froel.) Bercht. & J.Presl)
- Gentiana crinita var. cervantesii (Griseb.)
- Anthopogon procerus var. tonsus ((Lunell) Lunell)
- Gentiana crinita (Froel.)
- Gentiana crinita f. ventricosa ((Griseb.) B.Boivin)
- Gentiana crinita f. lemieuxii (B.Boivin)
- Gentiana fimbriata (Andrews)
Distribution
- Connecticut (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Oct 9, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Trevor MacLaurin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 18, 2020 by Robert McAleer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 29, 2022 by Terry Moodie (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 19, 2020 by Nathalie Cote (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 4, 2014 by EOL − Captain Fantastika Malone (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 26, 2015 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Fruit
Taken Aug 7, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3169917)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:108751-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gentianopsis crinita (Froel.) Ma)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb