Wildflowers Found in Oregon

Mountain Bog Gentian

Gentiana calycosa - Locally common, late summer-autumn, perennial, 8-20in. Clumps of prostrate to upright stems. Leaves sessile, egg-shaped to round. Flowers in top set of leaves 1-3, sessile, facing upward, deep blue, often with yellow spots, petals forming open bell, 5 lobes pointed at tip. Calyx lobe margins finely toothed. Grows in wet mountain meadows at mid to high elevations. Gentiana is named for King Gentius of Illyria, who lived around 500 BC, It is alleged he discovered medicinal uses for Gentian, from which a tonic of bitters is still made. Native.