Gentiana lutea aka Yellow Bitterwort

Gentiana lutea is a tall perennial in the gentian family. Its common name is great yellow gentian. It comes from central and southern Europe and parts of Turkey. It grows in mountain meadows, damp grasslands, and open pastures. Many wild sites have lime-rich soil. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Garden plants reach about 3–5 feet (0.91–1.5 metres) in flower. Sources differ on their final size. Missouri Botanical Garden gives the lower height; RHS gives the upper. Plants spread about 1.5–3.3 feet (0.46–1 metre). They may stand alone or form small clumps. Large green leaves form a rosette at ground level. Their shape ranges from lance-shaped to oval, with deep veins. The leaves die back for winter. A thick taproot can reach 3 feet (0.91 metres) long.

Tall stems carry leaves that clasp them at the base. Yellow flowers grow in rings around the upper leaf joints. Bloom runs from July to September. The bright flowers draw butterflies and stand above the basal leaves. Growth is slow, and flowering may take several years. RHS gives a maturity range of two to five years. The plant suits meadow planting, borders, and informal gardens. Other suggested sites include rock gardens, rain gardens, and pond edges.

Give it sun or part shade and rich, well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist, but avoid standing water. It does not cope with drought. Missouri Botanical Garden favours sandy loam and slightly alkaline soil. RHS lists a wider range of soils and pH levels. Cool, damp summers suit it best. Hot, humid nights can make it hard to grow. Sources rate it for USDA zones 4–8 and UK H5. Divide plants in spring; they need no pruning. Slugs and snails may attack, but serious disease problems are uncommon.

The bitter root has a long history of medicinal use. Herbal preparations have used it for appetite and digestive complaints. Makers also use the root to flavour gentian bitters. It once served as a beer flavouring before hops became widespread. These uses do not make it suitable for casual eating. Reported effects include headaches, nausea, and vomiting. People with stomach or duodenal ulcers should avoid it.