Dark Light
Soapwort Gentian
Gentiana saponaria

Supposedly this is an uncommon wildflower to encounter! It took me a while to identify it, not knowing that it’s flowers typically remain relatively closed as in the photo.

It turns out the flowers remain closed so that most pollinators are unable to access the nectar and pollen. Except bumblebees which are strong enough to get down in there. This benefits the plant, because it then doesn’t waste it’s resources (pollen and nectar) on less efficient pollinators.

Alternate Names: Harvestbells
Size: 8-20" tall
Family: Gentianaceae (Gentian Family)
Habitat: Moist woodland margins, near creeks and ponds or land depressions, in partial shade.
Identification: "Harvestbells or soapwort gentian, a perennial, grows 8-20 in. tall, having light-green, opposite, lance-shade leaves on slender stems. The blue-violet flowers are bottle-shaped, opening only partly, and occur in terminal or axillary clusters". From wildflower.org  Blooms August-October


All text and photos copyright © 2022 Middle Way Nature Reserve, unless noted.
Related Posts
Pink Venus Pride Flowers

Venus’ Pride

This is a U.S. endangered species, and I was very happy to find it here at Middle Way Nature Reserve, where it can hopefully stay protected, and hopefully flourish.
Carolina Geranium Leaves

Carolina Geranium

I thought this common name referred to the bird cardinal, but the name actually alludes to the color of the robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals.

Snake Root

Another plant named after the illustrious snake...however THIS one is definitely more dangerous to ruminants and humans alike!