Gentiana andrewsii / Bottle Gentian

Native to the northeast, the vivid purple flowers of Gentiana emerge in late summer to early fall but they don't ever open. Their bottle shape and closed 'mouths' are what give them their common name. Bottle Gentian are too difficult for most species to pollinate, as it requires strength to open the buds and reach the nectar inside. Therefore Gentiana andrewsii can only be pollinated by certain bee species that are strong enough to penetrate the closed petals, such as the Bumblebee.

For plant description and information click below:

https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=GEAN