Mountain Bog Gentian

Gentiana calycosa

Mountain Bog Gentian is a beautiful blue flower that grows in wet, cool places. It has star-shaped petals and loves to bloom in the summer, making it a special sight in nature.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Mountain Bog Gentian has stunning deep blue to purple, bell-shaped flowers that often grow singly or in small clusters. Its sturdy green stems reach upwards from lance-shaped leaves. The intense color helps it stand out amongst the green and browns of its wetland home.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGentianalesFamilyGentianaceaeGenusGentiana

Mountain Bog Gentian

Interesting facts

Its deep blue petals are often fused, creating a unique cup-like shape!

Mountain Bog Gentian is sometimes called 'King of the Mountains' for its beauty!

Some gentian flowers hide tiny drops of sweet nectar deep inside their bell shape!

This tough flower can bloom late in summer, even when cold weather is near.

Special abilities

Mountain Bog Gentian has special compounds that make it taste bitter, helping to deter hungry animals from eating its leaves.

Mountain Bog Gentian can thrive in chilly mountain bogs, using its tough roots to anchor itself in soggy, nutrient-poor soils.

Mountain Bog Gentian's vibrant blue flowers act like a bright signal, guiding important long-tongued insects to its nectar.

Measurements & details

Height: 10-60 cm
Spread: 15-30 cm
Flower Size: 3-5 cm
Bloom Season: Summer to fall
Edible: No
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Black-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus melanopygus

Visits flowers for nectar, aiding reproduction.

eaten by

Bighorn Sheep

Ovis canadensis

Browses on its leaves and flowers as part of its diet.

eaten by

Hoary Marmot

Marmota caligata

These mountain rodents occasionally nibble on the gentian plant.

Traits

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Summer Blooming

Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.

Cold Hardy

Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage.

Colorful

Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Mountain

This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.