The
Spring Gentian (
Gentiana verna) is a species of the genus
Gentiana and one of its smallest members, normally only growing to a height of a few centimetres.
The short
stem supports up to three opposing pairs of elliptical or lanceolate
leaves. The conspicuous vivid blue (sometimes purplish-red or rarely white)
flowers are 1-2 cm in diameter, with a deeply five-lobed
corolla; they are produced in late spring to early summer. The flowers attract
butterflies and
bees (particularly
bumblebees) for
pollination.
Ants are responsible for the spreading of its
seeds.
Distribution
G.verna is one of the most widespread gentians, found on sunny
alpine meadows and moorland throughout Eurasia from Ireland to Russia. It is common in central and southeastern
Europe, such as in low mountain ranges like the
Jura and
Balkans, and up to an altitude of 2,600 m. It is also to be found in mountainous regions ranging from the high Atlas of Morocco to the mountains of Turkey, Iraq and Iran. In northern Europe, it is very rare, confined to
Teesdale in northern England and a handful of locations in western
Ireland. It tends to thrive on dry meadows with
chalky soil; it is also known to grow in
silicaceous soils. Its scarcity has led to protection in a number of European countries as an
endangered species.
Symbolism
It is the
county flower of
Durham in the...
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