Gentiana affinis

(Rocky Mountain Gentian)

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Gentiana affinis, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8939

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Gentiana affinis, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8930

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Gentiana affinis, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8435/8449

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Gentiana affinis, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8471

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Gentiana affinis, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8458/8466

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Gentiana affinis, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 8478

Scientific Name Gentiana affinis (Pneumonanthe affinis) USDA PLANTS Symbol GEAF
Common Name Rocky Mountain Gentian, Pleated Gentian ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 29964
Family Gentianaceae (Gentian) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Montane and subalpine (7500 to 10500 ft.); rocky areas in dry meadows, occasionally in wetlands.
Plant: Erect or reclining perennial 4 to 20 inches tall; purple-tinged stem with small hairs, unbranching except at tips.
Leaves: Clasping stem leaves, opposite, lanceolate to elliptic-ovate, 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches long, smooth upper surface, small hairs on edges.
Inflorescence: Several to many purple-blue flowers in a relatively short and dense spike, each blossom subtended by leaf-like bracts; narrow funnel-shaped corolla tube about an inch long with 5 pointed lobes; pale yellow anthers.
Bloom Period: July to September.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Ten Mile Range and Rhodiola integrifolia (King’s Crown) in Summit County