Green Gentian
Frasera speciosa
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Pl. CF79 — Frasera speciosa
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IOverview
Overview
Green Gentian (Frasera speciosa) is a striking forb or herb native to the western United States and northern Mexico. This plant thrives in habitats such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Known for its edible roots, it can be found growing in moist conditions with a preference for light to partial sun. With a hardiness range of 3-7, Green Gentian is adaptable but prefers well-drained soils that are either sandy or medium-textured. Standing at about 1.5 meters tall, this biennial or perennial stands out in its native landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Green Gentian?
Green Gentian (Frasera speciosa) is a striking forb or herb native to the western United States and northern Mexico. This plant thrives in habitats such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Green Gentian thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, light (sandy) or medium soil. It is hardy in zones 3-7 and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall as a biennial or perennial forb/herb. Propagate via seeds or division. Harvest the edible root for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Biennial, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Green Gentian for the first time
8steps
Start with Green Gentian as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to partial sun and well-draining soil. Amend soil with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start young plants indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems in late winter to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sunlight, and using chemical fertilizers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of the Green Gentian (Frasera speciosa) is edible and can be prepared in various ways. Typically, it is dug up and either cooked or dried before consumption. SKIP
Other uses:Pest control
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
15 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
15 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 15 native
Broader regions
native:Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Mexico Northwest, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Mexico Northeast
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · cf792720-00d4-4716-91d7-8886eb713cb0
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