Blue alpine gentians are small, low growing plants that dot high meadows and rocky slopes with deep, trumpet shaped flowers.
Their blooms open in fine weather and close again when it turns cold or wet, as if the plant knows when it’s time to head indoors.
Their intense blue has ...
Blue alpine gentians are small, low growing plants that dot high meadows and rocky slopes with deep, trumpet shaped flowers.
Their blooms open in fine weather and close again when it turns cold or wet, as if the plant knows when it’s time to head indoors.
Their intense blue has become one of the classic alpine colours, often used on postcards, signs and souvenirs to signal mountain scenery.
In older herb traditions, gentians were valued for their bitter roots, thought to “strengthen the stomach” and sharpen the senses after long winters.
ILLUSTRATION BY Katharine Amies
katharineamies.com
@katharineamies
