Gentiana glauca, commonly known as pale gentian or glaucous gentian, is a perennial herb that is native to alpine and subalpine meadows, as well as moist, open, treeless areas in the mountainous regions of eastern Asia and northwestern North America, including Alaska, the Northwest Territories, Washington, and Montana. It thrives in tundra-like conditions and is adapted to cold, harsh environments, often found at elevations from 4,900 feet in Alaska to around 8,153 feet in Montana. This species typically forms a low-growing rosette of oval, bluish-green leaves from a central rhizome, with oppositely arranged stem leaves, reaching a modest height of about 6 inches. The inflorescence is a cluster of three to five striking blue or blue-green flowers that bloom in the summer months, followed by tubular capsules containing seeds.

Glaucous gentian is valued for its unique blue flowers, which add a splash of color to rock gardens and alpine plant collections. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established in a suitable location. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade, consistently moist but well-drained soils, and cool temperatures, mimicking its native alpine habitat. While not commonly used, it can serve as an accent in specialized garden settings such as rockeries or alpine houses. It is not known for significant pest or disease issues, but its specialized habitat requirements can make it challenging to grow in lower elevations or warmer climates.CC BY-SA 4.0