Gentiana triflora aka Three Flower Gentian

Gentiana triflora is a perennial in the gentian family, Gentianaceae. Its native range spans temperate parts of eastern Asia. It grows from southern Siberia through Mongolia, northern China, Korea, and Japan. It also occurs in Russia’s Far East, including Sakhalin and the Kurile Islands. Wild plants grow in grassy sites, often beside roads. These habitats range from sea level into the mountains. The species is not native to Britain or Ireland.

In gardens, plants reach about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] tall. Their spread reaches about 1 foot [0.3 metres]. This small size suits a place in cultivated beds. Flowers appear from August to September, bringing bloom late in summer. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bumblebees and butterflies pollinate the flowers. The supplied species evidence gives no details of flower colour or fruit. It also gives no clear account of leaves or stems.

Grow this species in moist soil that drains well. PFAF recommends a peaty growing medium without lime. It also lists mildly acid and neutral soils as suitable. Sand, loam, and clay can all support growth with good drainage. Plants can grow in full sun or partial shade. Their need for moisture does not mean they need waterlogged soil. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 4–8 for this species. It also reports cold tolerance to about −20°C.

Seed offers a way to raise new plants. PFAF recommends sowing fresh seed when ripe in a cold frame. Choose a light position for the seed pots. Late winter or early spring sowing is another option. A cold treatment helps seeds germinate. Stored seed loses its ability to sprout quite fast. Older seed may sprout slowly and at uneven times. PFAF describes a short moist period near 10°C before cold treatment. This is followed by five to six weeks at 0 to −5°C.

PFAF records no known food uses or hazards for this species. That does not establish that any part is safe to eat. It lists traditional medicinal uses for the root, including digestive and urinary complaints. Other listed uses include jaundice, eczema, and eye or throat complaints. Roots are gathered in autumn and dried for later use. These records describe uses rather than prove treatment benefits. PFAF reports no weed potential and lists no other uses.