Prairie gentian
Also known as: Texas bluebell, showy prairie gentian
Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect, 1 to several, stout, blue-green, waxy.
- Leaves
- Opposite, simple, stiffly ascending, variable, ovate-oblong to elliptic-lanceolate, .6 to 3 inches long, 1/5 to 2 inches wide, waxy, 3-veined, margins entire, sessile to somewhat clasping.
- Inflorescence
- Clusters of 2-6 flowers, panicle-like, terminal on stout stalks to 2.5 inches long, bracts at base of stalk.
- Flower
- Showy, 2 to 3 inches broad; calyx deeply cleft; sepals 5, united for less than 1/3 length; lobes linear-lanceolate, 1/2 to 1 inch long; corolla bell-shaped, deeply cleft, bluish-purple, pink or white; lobes 5, elliptic to egg-shaped, without folds or pleats between lobes; stamens 5 or 6; filaments 2/5 to 3/5 inch long; stigma 2-lobed, style slender.
- Fruit
- Capsule, oblong, pointed, to 4/5 inch long; seeds numerous, small, pitted.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Moist meadows and prairies; moist sandy or sandy loam soils.
- Distribution
- West 1/2 of Kansas.
Additional Notes
Comments
Named for Alexander Russell, and 18th Century English physician, author and botanist.
Synonyms
Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.
Scientific Name: Eustoma grandiflorum
Full Citation: Eustoma grandiflorum Shinners
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Gentianaceae - Gentian Family
- Life Span
- Annual
- Height
- 10-24 inches
- Last Updated
- 2008-02-10
Color Groups
Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: June, July, August, September