Austrian Gentian
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(Gentianella austriaca)
Austrian Gentian (Gentianella austriaca)
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Michael Andresek
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Michael Andresek
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Michael Andresek | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Michael Andresek | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2010-09-18T13:51:07-07:00 |
Summary
Gentianella austriaca, commonly known as Austrian gentian, is a biennial herb that thrives in the alpine meadows, grassy slopes, and rocky areas of Europe. It exhibits a moderate growth rate, reaching heights of 0.5-1 feet (0.15-0.3 meters). The plant is characterized by its lance-shaped leaves and striking blue or purple trumpet-shaped flowers, which are quite showy and bloom in the summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Austrian gentian is valued for its vibrant flowers and is often used in rock gardens, alpine collections, and as border plantings. It is relatively easy to maintain, provided it is grown in conditions that mimic its native alpine habitat. This includes full sun exposure and well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soils, preferably loam or clay. While it can tolerate a range of soil types, proper drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. It is not commonly affected by diseases or pests, but it can suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils. Care should be taken to prevent it from becoming too dry, as it is adapted to cooler, moist alpine climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Austrian gentian is valued for its vibrant flowers and is often used in rock gardens, alpine collections, and as border plantings. It is relatively easy to maintain, provided it is grown in conditions that mimic its native alpine habitat. This includes full sun exposure and well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soils, preferably loam or clay. While it can tolerate a range of soil types, proper drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. It is not commonly affected by diseases or pests, but it can suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils. Care should be taken to prevent it from becoming too dry, as it is adapted to cooler, moist alpine climates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Alpine meadows, grassy slopes, and rocky areas in Europe
Other Names
Common Names: Austrian gentian, Gentiane d’Autriche
Scientific Names: Gentianella austriaca, Gentiana amarella, Gentiana amarella f. acutifolia, Gentiana austriaca, Gentiana austriaca f. albiflora, Gentiana austriaca f. castanetorum, Gentiana austriaca f. humilis, Gentiana austriaca f. montana, Gentiana austriaca f. paludosa, Gentiana austriaca f. prolificata
GBIF Accepted Name: Gentianella austriaca