Gentianaceae

Gentiana sceptrum

King's Scepter Gentian

Erect. Stems single or many in cluster. Leaves opposite, 10–15 pair on stem, largest at top 1/2–1 1/2 in. long, spreading outward. Lowest leaves smallest, becoming larger up stalk. Flowers 1 to several near or at stem top with bracts at base, lower flowers may be without bracts. Calyx of 5 sepals fused into a short tube with wide pointed tips. Flower blue with green streaks or spots, 1–2 in. rounded tube with 5 wide ascending lobes, the sinus between lobes pleated, flat across and without appendages. Grows in wet meadows, bogs, edges of lakes, near coastline, at low elevations.

• Rarity: Uncommon
• Flowering Time: Late Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 12--24 inches
• Habitat: Meadow, Subalpine, Bog/Fen/Wetland, Coastal, Moist Riverbanks
• Found In: Olympic Np
• Native: Yes