The closed gentian is a low lying flower that measures approximately 30-60 cm in height. As indicated by its name, the dark-blue petals of this flowers are closed in an elongated cone shape. Flowers are arranged in tight clusters surrounded by whorls of lanceolate-to-ovate shaped leaves and positioned atop the terminal shoot of a robust stem.

The flowers of the closed gentian measure 2.5-4 cm. in width and are arranged in tight clusters of 10-20. The dark-blue petals of each flowers are fused to form a cylindrical- or cone-shaped corolla. This structure is whitish-blue at the base, has clearly defined fusion lines, and is unfused at the tip, forming a white or yellow-star shaped opening. Flower clusters are positioned atop the terminal shoots of each stem and can also form in the axils of upper leaves.

Fruit:

Leaves:

The leaves of the closed gentian are, on average, 10 cm. in length, bright, glossy green, lanceolate-to-ovate in shape, and surround flowers clusters in dense whorls. They are also arranged in an opposite fashion along the portion of the stem below the flower cluster.

Habitat:

Closed gentian grows best in moist environments including thickets and open meadows.

Fun Facts:

Other names attributed to the closed gentian include the bottle gentian. Both names allude to the closed shape of the flower.

Closed gentian is a popular and easily cultivated garden flower.

The closed gentian is a medicinal plant. The root can be used to make an appetite-simulating tonic.

The Cherokee Indians used the closed gentian as a tonic, laxative, and as a treatment for stomach ailments.