Bottle Gentain - Gentiana andrewsii *RPBB*

This late summer to early fall blooming perennial sweeps the landscape with its cluster of regal blue blooms adding a deeper tone to the increasingly golden fall prairie. This plant thrives in moist and rich soils, ranging in habitat from moist prairies, seepage areas, and fens. Its attractive foliage and bloom adds to its alluring effect and with correct soil and moisture conditions deterring it from drought, is a great addition to a natural area or garden. Bumblebees are the primary pollinators of the flowers, as they are one of the few insects that can force their way past the closed corolla. This floral characteristic excludes smaller insects that are less efficient at pollination from robbing nectar and pollen from the bumblebees. Because the foliage and roots are bitter-tasting, mammals usually don't use this plant for food. Soil Type: Clay/Loam/Sand Soil Conditions: Wet Mesic-Mesic Flower Color: Blue Height: 2' Light: Full to part sun Credits: Info courtesy of Pizzo Native Nursery and IllinoisWildflowers.Info; Photo courtesy of Illinoiswildflowers.info