Gentiana cruciata aka Cross Gentian

Gentiana cruciata belongs to the gentian family, Gentianaceae. It is a perennial, which means it lives for years. People call it cross gentian or crosswort gentian. Its native range spans Europe and reaches western Siberia. It also grows wild in northern and northwestern Iran. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In the wild, it grows in dry alpine meadows. It also grows in woods, rocky places, and banks. These sites often have soil that contains lime.

This plant grows upright to about 1.3 feet [0.4 metres] tall. Its low height suits beds and the front of borders. It bears blue flowers from July through October. Each flower has both male and female parts. Bumblebees and butterflies move pollen between the flowers. The sources give no leaf or fruit details for this species. They give no width for a full-grown plant either. This leaves the space needed for planting unclear.

Grow cross gentian in full sun or partial shade. It grows in sand, loam, or clay that drains well. The soil can be mildly acid to mildly alkaline. Plants For A Future says good garden soil makes it easy to grow. It says this plant copes with drier soil than most gentians. Yet the same source says it prefers moist soil. The garden guidance supports a moderate amount of water. Note both its need for soil moisture and good drainage. Chicago Botanic Garden gives USDA hardiness zones 3–7. Plants For A Future says it withstands at least −20°C.

Use it in bedding, borders, or sunny woodland edges. Its blue blooms late in the season are its main stated garden feature. Grow new plants from seed. Sow fresh, ripe seed in a bright cold frame. You can also sow in late winter or early spring. A cold spell helps the seeds sprout. Stored seed soon loses its power to sprout. It may sprout at a slow or uneven rate. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy.

The root has limited use in making gentian bitters. Plants For A Future gives it a low food-use rating. It records past root uses to aid digestion and appetite. It also lists uses for fever, hoarseness, and sore throats. These reports do not prove that such treatments work or are safe. The same source lists no known hazards for this species. This does not prove it is safe for every person or pet.