Gentiana straminea

Gentiana straminea is a perennial in the gentian family, Gentianaceae. Its native range runs from Nepal to central China. Chinese records include Gansu, Hubei, Ningxia, Qinghai and Xizang. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Kew places it in subalpine or subarctic climates. It grows on grassy slopes and in alpine meadows. These habitats reach about 11,480 feet [3,500 metres] above sea level.

This small plant reaches about 1 foot [0.3 metres] tall. Plants For A Future lists it for cultivated garden beds. It flowers from August to September, late in the growing season. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bumblebees and butterflies pollinate the flowers. The supplied sources give no species-level details of flower colour. They also leave leaf shape, fruit and mature spread undescribed. The RHS gives broader gentian traits, rather than this species' features.

Plants For A Future describes this species as easy to grow. It prefers full sun, with ample moisture around its roots. Light shade is also suitable, according to the same source. Keep the soil moist, but allow excess water to drain. Sandy, loamy and clay soils can all suit it. Its soil range spans mildly acid to mildly alkaline conditions. The source says it grows better in northern and western Britain. It lists USDA hardiness zones 4–8. Avoid disturbing the roots, as the plant does not tolerate this well.

Seed offers a way to raise new plants. Sow fresh seed in a bright cold frame after ripening. Late winter or early spring sowing is another option. Stored seed loses viability fast and may sprout unevenly. A cold period can improve germination. Plants For A Future suggests moistening seed near 10°C first. It then suggests five to six weeks between 0°C and −5°C. This need for cold treatment matters when planning seed sowing.

Plants For A Future records no known food uses or hazards. That does not establish that every use is safe. It gives the plant a medicinal score of three out of five. Reported root uses include treating pain, inflammation, fever and arthritis. Other recorded uses concern jaundice and hepatitis. Roots are collected in autumn and dried for later use. These are reported medicinal uses, not instructions for self-treatment. The source lists no other uses and flags no weed potential.