Bottle Gentian is such a unique-looking plant. Bumblebees are the main visitors because they are one of the few who can pry open the flowers to access the pollen and nectar. They squeeze their bodies all the way in, it is so fun to watch. The Xerces Society considers this a preferred pollinator plant (Xerces.org). It blooms late in the season for a nice splash of color and mammalian herbivores typically leave this plant alone because of its bitter taste. It is an appealing and attractive plant to have in the landscape.
Photo credit: Joshua Mayer
Bottle Gentian is such a unique-looking plant. Bumblebees are the main visitors because they are one of the few who can pry open the flowers to access the pollen and nectar. They squeeze their bodies all the way in, it is so fun to watch. The Xerces Society considers this a preferred pollinator plant (Xerces.org). It blooms late in the season for a nice splash of color and mammalian herbivores typically leave this plant alone because of its bitter taste. It is an appealing and attractive plant to have in the landscape.
Photo credit: Joshua Mayer
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
Soil Moisture: Medium-wet, Medium
Height: 1-2 feet
Plant Spacing: 1-2 feet
Bloom Time: August-October
Bloom Color: Purplish Blue, Violet
Advantages: Pollinator Favorite, Deer Resistant
Host: 1 species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
