| Gentiana saponaria | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Gentianaceae |
| Genus: | Gentiana |
| Species: | G. saponaria |
| Binomial name | |
| Gentiana saponaria L. |
|
Gentiana saponaria (Soapwort Gentian or Harvestbells) is a 1–2 ft (30–61 cm) tall flowering plant in the Gentianaceae family. It is native to eastern North America south of the Great Lakes, from Wisconsin to New York, and south to Texas and Florida.[1][2] Similar to the "Bottle Gentians" like Gentiana clausa and Gentiana andrewsii, it has paired, lanceolate leaves on unbranched stalks, blue or purple blooms, and a stout taproot. It is rare in its range, usually found in undisturbed sandy soils. The flowers are pollinated by bumblebees.[3][4][5]