Plain Gentian

Gentiana alba

Plain (cream) gentian is a prairie and woodland-edge perennial with clusters of creamy bottle-shaped flowers in late summer, pollinated by strong bumblebees that force their way in. A choice native for moist, sunny ground.

Family: Gentianaceae
Type: wildflower
Lifespan: perennial
Height: 1–2.5 ft
Spacing: 1–1.5 ft apart
Light: sun, part shade
Soil moisture: moist
Soil pH: neutral
Bloom: August, September
Bloom colors: white, yellow
Wildlife value: pollinators
Landscape uses: border
Native states: IA, IL, IN, MN, MO, WI