Rainier pleated gentian (Gentiana calycosa, W.J.Hooker, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 58 (1837))

Family: Gentianaceae

Author: Griseb.

Bibliography: W.J.Hooker, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 58 (1837)

Year: 1837

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gentiana

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Canada to W. U.S.A.

Description

The Rainier pleated gentian, known scientifically as Gentiana calycosa, is a captivating member of the family Gentianaceae. First documented by W.J. Hooker in 1837’s “Flora Boreali-Americana,” and subsequently described by Griseb., this robust perennial plant is notable for its striking beauty and resilience.

Gentiana calycosa thrives across a broad swath of Western Canada to the Western United States. This habitat distribution underscores its adaptability to a range of mountainous terrains, where it is often found gracing alpine meadows and moist subalpine environments with its vibrant presence.

Characterized by its deep azure, pleated petals, the Rainier pleated gentian stands out in the botanical world. Its flowers, typically blooming from mid to late summer, are a brilliant display against the rugged backdrop of its native landscape. The blooms are tubular, with a delicate pleating that gives the specie its common name. These pleats not only add to its aesthetic appeal but also play a role in protecting the reproductive organs from adverse weather conditions.

The foliage of Gentiana calycosa is equally distinctive, featuring lance-shaped leaves that grow in opposite pairs along the stems. These leaves are bright green and somewhat leathery, aiding in the plant’s survival by minimizing water loss in its often harsh, windswept habitats.

Ecologically, the Rainier pleated gentian is an essential component of its ecosystem, contributing to the local biodiversity. It attracts various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which play a crucial role in the fertilization of the plant’s flowers. This interaction not only facilitates the gentian’s reproduction but also supports the broader ecological network.

For botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, Gentiana calycosa is a species of significant interest, representing the delicate balance of beauty and hardiness found in alpine flora. Its vibrant flowers and resilient nature continue to inspire admiration and study, making it a cherished subject in both scientific research and horticultural cultivation.

Common Names

Eng: rainier pleated gentian, mountain bog gentian, explorer’s gentian
Fra: gentiane à grand calice
En: Rainier pleated gentian, Rainier gentian, Mountain bog gentian, Explorer’s gentian
Fr: Gentiane à grand calice

Synonyms

• Pneumonanthe calycosa ((Griseb.) Greene)
• Gentiana calycosa var. monticola (Rydb.)
• Gentiana obtusiloba ((Rydb.) Hultén)
• Gentiana myrsinites (Gand.)
• Gentiana cusickii (Gand.)
• Gentiana calycosa var. asepala ((Maguire) C.L.Hitchc.)
• Dasystephana obtusiloba (Rydb.)
• Gentiana calycosa var. obtusiloba ((Rydb.) C.L.Hitchc.)
• Gentiana calycosa var. stricta (Griseb.)
• Gentiana calycosa subsp. typica (Maguire)
• Gentiana calycosa var. xantha (A.Nelson)
• Dasystephana calycosa ((Griseb.) Rydb.)
• Dasystephana monticola ((Rydb.) Rydb.)
• Gentiana calycosa f. alpina (Herder)
• Dasystephana calycosa var. xantha ((A.Nelson) A.Nelson)
• Gentiana calycosa subsp. asepala (Maguire)
• Gentiana gormanii (Howell)
• Gentiana idahoensis (Gand.)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 10, 2019 by Callie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2019 by Callie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2022 by Martin Sanford (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2021 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2017 by William Eifler (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 13, 2022 by Michael Finch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2022 by Valerie Mason (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2020 by Dominique Mathieu (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2021 by Maylis Moussat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2019 by Melanie K (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 14, 2012 by EOL − Belinda Lo (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 26, 2014 by EOL − Marek (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 30, 2013 by EOL − John Brew (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2013 by EOL − John Brew (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2013 by EOL − John Brew (cc-by-sa)

© 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/3170050)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:367913-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gentiana calycosa Griseb.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 5.6