Gentiana punctata aka Spotted Gentian

Gentiana punctata is a perennial in the gentian family, Gentianaceae. Its common names include spotted gentian and dotted-flowered gentian. It comes from Europe, with its native range described as southern Europe. Records list it from France and Italy east to Ukraine. Its range also includes parts of central Europe and the Balkans. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant reaches about 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall. Below ground, it forms a thick rootstock. This can reach about 3.3 feet [1 metre] long. It flowers from June to July. Each flower has both male and female parts. Bumblebees and butterflies pollinate the blooms. In the wild, it grows in stony pastures and mountain hollows. It also grows on screes and moraines. Other sites include conifer woods and ground among rhododendrons. It occurs on both limestone and igneous rock.

In gardens, this species needs moist soil that drains well. It accepts sandy, loamy and clay soils. Soil depth matters because its roots need room to grow. It tolerates mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline conditions. Full sun suits it when the roots have ample summer moisture. It can also grow in light shade. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 4–8. Suggested garden sites include planted beds and sunny woodland edges. Its summer flowers offer interest in these settings.

Seed offers a way to raise new plants. Sow fresh seed in a bright cold frame once ripe. Late winter or early spring sowing is another option. A cold period helps the seed germinate. PFAF describes five to six weeks near freezing or below. Stored seed loses viability fast and may sprout slowly or unevenly. These needs make seed raising less simple than sowing fresh seed alone. The source does not identify particular pests or diseases for this species.

The root has a limited use in making gentian bitters. PFAF gives its food use a score of one out of five. It also identifies this species as a source of medicinal gentian root. Its medicinal-use score is three out of five. These records describe uses, not proof of safety or benefit. PFAF lists no known hazards and no other uses. It also records no weed potential.