Rocky Mountain Fringed Gentian
ExplorePlants
Rocky Mountain Fringed Gentian
gentianopsis thermalis
The Rocky Mountain Fringed Gentian is a stunning, deep-blue to purple wildflower native to the high-elevation wetlands, wet meadows, and thermal basin areas of the Rocky Mountains. Famous for being the official flower of Yellowstone National Park, this annual or biennial plant boasts showy, trumpet-shaped flowers with delicate, fringed petals. It blooms late in the season, typically from late July through September, offering a spectacular burst of color when many other subalpine wildflowers have already faded.
Habitat: Found in wet subalpine meadows, seeps, and thermal areas of the Rocky Mountains, often in alkaline, mineral-rich soils.
Appearance
This plant typically grows 10 to 40 cm tall, featuring erect, square stems with opposite, lance-shaped leaves. Its most striking feature is the solitary, deep violet-blue flower sitting atop each stem. The flower corolla is trumpet-shaped, ending in four spreading lobes that are finely fringed along their outer margins. When the sun is shining, the petals open wide to display their rich coloration, but they twist tightly shut on cloudy days or during cold evenings to protect their reproductive organs.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGentianalesFamilyGentianaceaeGenusGentianopsis
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Historically, Native American tribes used infusions made from gentian roots for various medicinal purposes, including treating digestive ailments.
It is the official flower of Yellowstone National Park, designated in 1926 due to its abundance near the park's famous geysers.
The flowers exhibit solar tracking behavior, twisting open in bright sunlight and closing up tightly when clouds obscure the sun.
Special abilities
Ability
Nyctinastic Closure
The flower petals twist and close tightly at night or during overcast weather to shield delicate pollen from rain and frost.
Ability
Thermal Tolerance
Adapted to survive in the warm, mineral-rich runoff soils of geothermal basins without sustaining heat or chemical damage.
Ability
Fringed Guidance
The delicate fringes along the petal edges help visually guide native bumblebee pollinators directly to the nectar reserves.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-40 cm
- Lifespan
- 1-2 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, it utilizes chlorophyll to synthesize sugars from carbon dioxide and sunlight, absorbing water and essential mineral nutrients through its root system.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon Dioxide
- Mineral Nutrients
Ecological connections
mutualism
Two-form Bumblebee
Bombus bifarius
Pollinated by bumblebees seeking nectar, which triggers the release of pollen.
eaten by
Elk
Cervus canadensis
Occasionally grazed upon by large native herbivores moving through wet meadows.
Traits
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Also known as
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Rocky Mountain Fringed Gentian?
The easiest way to identify Rocky Mountain Fringed Gentian is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Rocky Mountain Fringed Gentian?
10-40 cm
How long does Rocky Mountain Fringed Gentian live?
1-2 years
What does Rocky Mountain Fringed Gentian eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, it utilizes chlorophyll to synthesize sugars from carbon dioxide and sunlight, absorbing water and essential mineral nutrients through its root system.
Where is Rocky Mountain Fringed Gentian usually found?
Found in wet subalpine meadows, seeps, and thermal areas of the Rocky Mountains, often in alkaline, mineral-rich soils.
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