Alpine gentian (Gentiana nivalis, Sp. Pl.: 229 (1753))

Family: Gentianaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 229 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gentiana

Vegetable: False

Observations: Greenland to E. Canada, Europe to Siberia and NE. Türkiye

Description

Alpine gentian, scientifically known as Gentiana nivalis, is a captivating perennial herbaceous plant native to a wide geographic range extending from Greenland to Eastern Canada, across Europe to Siberia, and reaching the northeastern regions of Türkiye. Described originally by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753, this exquisite flower belongs to the Gentianaceae family, notable for its remarkable diversity and ecological significance.

Gentiana nivalis is distinguished by its diminutive size and vibrant blue flowers, which typically bloom from July to September. The flowers, characterized by their star-like appearance and intricate patterns, are a mesmerizing spectacle in alpine meadows and rocky slopes. Favoring cold, mountainous environments, Alpine gentian thrives in well-drained, acidic soils, often in locations with ample sunlight but also capable of enduring harsh, shaded conditions.

The complexity of its habitat preferences necessitates a specific ecological niche, where the plant contributes to the biodiversity and aesthetic beauty of the alpine and subarctic landscapes. One of the defining features of Gentiana nivalis is its ability to survive in extremely cold climates, displaying remarkable resilience and adaptation strategies typical of high-altitude and northern latitude flora.

This species holds a special place not only among botanists for its scientific interest but also among nature enthusiasts and hikers who encounter its striking blossoms during expeditions in its native ranges. Conservation efforts are essential for the preservation of Gentiana nivalis, as its specialized habitat is susceptible to climate change and human activities.

In sum, the Alpine gentian is a symbol of natural resilience and beauty, representing the delicate yet robust flora that decorates some of the most challenging environments on Earth. Its presence from Greenland to Eastern Canada and across Eurasian territories underscores its wide adaptability and the critical importance of protecting such unique plant species.

Common Names

Deu: schnee-enzian
Dan: sne-ensian
Eng: snow gentian, alpine gentian, snowy gentian
Swe: fjällgentiana, tunturikatkero, nordstålört
Nob: snøsøte
Nno: snøsøte
Fin: tunturikatkero
Sme: alitnásti, muohtacivzza, nástelieđđi
Fra: gentiane des neiges
Cym: crwynllys y mynydd
Gla: lus a’chrùbain sneachda
En: Alpine gentian, Snow gentian, Snowy gentian, Small Gentian
Ca: Genciana nival
Da: Sne-ensian
Nl: Sneeuwgentiaan
Fi: Tunturikatkero
Fr: Gentiane des neiges
De: Schnee-Enzian
It: Genziana nivale
Se: Alitnásti, Muohtacivzza, Nástelieđđi
Nb: Snøsøte
Nn: Snøsøte
Gd: Lus a’Chrùbain Sneachda
Sk: Horec snežný
Sv: Fjällgentiana, Tunturikatkero, Nordstålört
Cy: Crwynllys y Mynydd

Synonyms

• Hippion nivale (F.W.Schmidt)
• Ericoila nivalis ((L.) Borkh.)
• Calathiana nivalis ((L.) Delarbre)
• Gentiana humilis (Rochel)
• Gentiana nivalis var. albiflora (Lange)
• Chiophila nivalis (Raf.)
• Gentiana nivalis var. uniflora (Gaudin)
• Gentiana nivalis f. reducta (Bolzon)
• Gentiana carpathica (Kit. ex Schult.)
• Gentiana nivalis var. brevifolia (Rouy)
• Lexipyretum nivale (Dulac)
• Ericoila carpathica ((Kit. ex Schult.) G.Don)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Labrador (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Québec (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Turkey (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (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.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Aug 16, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2019 by Marc Gilabert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2018 by Ramon Martorell Martorell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2018 by mdiest (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2018 by Ramon Martorell Martorell (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 24, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2020 by Chris Op Hoogte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Laurent Ledante (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Laurent Ledante (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 24, 2017 by Alexandre Leluault (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2006 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2020 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 13, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2019 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2022 by marie-odile (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 1, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2020 by Tarja Vermeer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2020 by Tarja Vermeer (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 15, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 13, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:368570-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3170097)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gentiana nivalis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 3