Seeds - Bottle Gentian

For successful seedlings,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

Bottle gentian (Gentiana andrewsii), or Andrews' bottle gentian, is a remarkable native perennial known for its deep blue-violet flowers shaped as closed buds, which never fully open. It reaches a height of 30 to 60 cm and blooms from late summer to early fall. Its opposite, dark green, lance-shaped leaves provide a contrast to its unique flowers. This gentian thrives in moist environments and sunny meadows, and it is ideal for naturalized gardens or shorelines, attracting pollinators with its nectar.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses
Bottle gentian is known for its tonic and digestive properties. Historically, its roots were used in infusions to stimulate appetite and aid digestion. However, this gentian is currently rarely used in cooking or herbal medicine.

Ecological Roles
Bottle gentian plays an important role for pollinators, particularly bees and certain species of bumblebees, which are among the few insects capable of entering its closed flowers to access the nectar. In this way, it contributes to local biodiversity by supporting insect populations specialized in pollinating closed flowers. This plant is valuable for wetlands and meadows, where it stabilizes soil and enriches plant diversity.

Bottle gentian seeds require cold stratification to ensure germination. See the cultivation notes below for more details.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.