Bladder gentian (Gentiana utriculosa, Sp. Pl.: 229 (1753))

Family: Gentianaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 229 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gentiana

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mts. of Europe

Description

Bladder gentian, known scientifically as Gentiana utriculosa, is a captivating flowering plant belonging to the Gentianaceae family. This species, first described and named by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753, thrives primarily in the mountainous regions of Europe.

The bladder gentian is distinguished by its characteristic tubular flowers that often exhibit a striking blue or violet hue, embodying the vivid beauty commonly associated with gentians. The blooms usually appear in midsummer to early autumn, adding splashes of color to the alpine meadows and rocky slopes where they are found.

This plant prefers habitats with well-drained soils and can often be found at higher elevations, where the climatic conditions are less hospitable for many other species. It has adapted well to the challenging environments of European mountain ranges, often flourishing in locations with ample sunlight and minimal competition from larger plant species.

Bladder gentians play an important ecological role in their native habitats. They are known to attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are crucial for their reproductive cycle. These vibrant flowers not only provide aesthetic value to the landscapes they inhabit but also contribute to the biodiversity and ecological stability of mountainous regions.

Given their specialized habitat requirements and the growing impact of climate change, the conservation of bladder gentians has become increasingly important. Efforts to protect these plants are essential to preserve the unique flora of Europe’s mountainous regions and to maintain the delicate balance of these ecosystems.

Common Names

Deu: schlauch-enzian
En: Bladder Gentian
Bg: Подута тинтява
Nl: Blaasgentiaan
Fr: Gentiane à calice renflé, Gentianelle à calice renflé, Gentiane à calice renflé en outre
De: Schlauch-Enzian, Aufgeblasener Enzian
It: Genziana, Genziana alata
: Bladder gentian

Synonyms

• Gentianusa utriculosa ((L.) Pohl)
• Gentiana bucovinensis (Herbich)
• Psalina utriculosa ((L.) Raf.)
• Calathiana utriculosa ((L.) Holub)
• Gentiana utriculosa var. montenegrina ((Beck & Szyszył.) Kožuharov & A.V.Petrova)
• Gentiana utriculosa f. montenegrina (Beck & Szyszył.)
• Ericoila utriculosa ((L.) Borkh.)
• Hippion utriculosum ((L.) F.W.Schmidt)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Italy (native)
• Romania (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2018 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2019 by Aurelio Cabri Aurelio Cabri (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2018 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Andrea Schieber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2022 by mathieu paul (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Krampl Tomáš (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2020 by ines ines (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2019 by Andrea Schieber (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8352976)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:369077-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gentiana utriculosa L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 2