Willow gentian (Gentiana asclepiadea, Sp. Pl.: 227 (1753))

Family: Gentianaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 227 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gentiana

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to NW. Iran

Description

The Willow gentian is a strikingly elegant plant known for its beautiful blue, trumpet-shaped flowers, which provide a vibrant splash of color in gardens and natural landscapes. With the scientific name Gentiana asclepiadea, it belongs to the Gentianaceae family and has been admired and studied since it was first described by the eminent taxonomist Carl Linnaeus in 1753.

Native to a range extending from Europe to the northwestern parts of Iran, the Willow gentian thrives in various environments, from the rugged, rocky terrains of mountains to the more forgiving soils of woodland areas. This widespread distribution reflects the plant’s adaptability and the diverse landscapes it can inhabit.

In terms of appearance, the Willow gentian is celebrated for its slender, arching stems that give rise to clusters of vivid blue flowers typically blooming from late summer into early autumn. Each flower, shaped like a delicate trumpet, opens up to reveal intricate patterns and rich hues, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which play a crucial role in the plant’s reproductive cycle.

Cultivating Willow gentian requires an understanding of its natural habitat to reproduce these conditions successfully in a garden setting. It prefers cool climates and partially shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil, mimicking its natural mountainous and woodland homes. For gardeners, attention to these details will ensure that the Willow gentian not only survives but thrives, adding serene beauty to floral displays.

The significance of Willow gentian extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. It has been traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, which were recognized by various cultures within its native range. Although modern usage has diminished, historical practices highlight the plant’s importance within past herbal medicine traditions.

In summary, the Willow gentian (Gentiana asclepiadea) stands out as a majestic and versatile member of the Gentianaceae family. Its natural beauty, combined with its historical and ecological significance, makes it a cherished specimen for both botanists and garden enthusiasts. Whether appreciated in the wild or cultivated in garden spaces, this enchanting plant continues to inspire admiration for its resilience and artistry.

Common Names

Deu: schwalbenwurz-enzian
Eng: willow gentian
Fra: gentiane fausse asclépiade
Swe: knippgentiana
Nob: skogsøte
Nno: skogsøte
Cym: crwynllys dail helyg
En: Willow gentian
Bg: Горска тинтява
Ca: Willow gentian
Hr: Asklepijeva sirištara
Cs: Hořec tolitovitý
Da: Svalerod-Ensian
Nl: Bosgentiaan, Zijdeplantgentiaan
Fi: Metsäkatkero
Fr: Gentiane fausse asclépiade, Gentiane Asclépiade, Gentiane à feuilles d’asclépiade
De: Schwalbenwurz-Enzian, Würgerenzian
El: Γεντιανή του Ασκληπιού
Hu: Fecsketárnics
It: Genziana asclepiade
Nb: Skogsøte
Nn: Skogsøte
Pl: Goryczka trojeściowa
Sr: Шумска сириштара
Sk: Horec luskáčovitý
Sv: Knippgentiana
Tr: Mavi centiyan
Uk: Тирлич ваточниковидний
Cy: Crwynllys dail helyg

Synonyms

• Pneumonanthe asclepiadea ((L.) F.W.Schmidt)
• Gentiana asclepiadea subsp. schistocalyx ((K.Koch) Zakharova)
• Gentiana asclepiadea f. albiflora (Murray ex Hegi)
• Gentiana schistocalyx (K.Koch)
• Gentiana asclepiadea f. cruciata (Wartm. & Schlatter)
• Gentiana asclepiadea f. schistocalyx ((K.Koch) Bolzon)
• Gentiana ramiflora (E.Szabó)
• Gentianusa asclepiadea ((L.) Pohl)
• Gentiana asclepiadea f. pectinata (Wartm. & Schlatter)
• Gentiana asclepiadea var. schistocalyx ((K.Koch) Grossh.)
• Gentiana asclepiadea var. plicata ((F.W.Schmidt) Roth)
• Dasistepha asclepiadea ((L.) Raf.)
• Dasystephana schistocalyx ((K.Koch) J.Sojak)
• Coilantha asclepiadea (G.Don)
• Pneumonanthe plicata (F.W.Schmidt)
• Dasystephana asclepiadea ((L.) Borkh.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Northwest European R (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 5, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2006 by Wolfgang Fiege (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2017 by Gym Skuteč (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 14, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2022 by Karlo Mikic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Elias Zubler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Laurent PETIT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 15, 1991 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 24, 2019 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2020 by Clara Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2020 by Fede (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Elias Zubler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Claus-Dieter Seidel (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 2, 2022 by Tomaž Jančar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2018 by termauri (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by alderash (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Marianne Arnold (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2018 by Spolaor Dino (cc-by-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.

© 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/7270381)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:367809-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gentiana asclepiadea L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Soil nutriments: 2