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chiltern gentian

Larry Stoter

Chiltern gentian

Scientific name

Gentianella germanica
Considered to be one of the prettiest gentians, the Chiltern gentian is a rare plant in the UK. It likes chalk grasslands, its purple, trumpet-shaped flowers blooming from August.

Species information

Statistics

Height: up to 50cm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

August to September

About

The Chiltern gentian is a rare annual or biennial flower that is found on lowland chalk grassland with short vegetation, particularly where the soil has been disturbed. Occasionally, it can be found growing at woodland edges if the soil is right. Its purple (sometimes white), trumpet-shaped flowers appear in branching clusters from August to September.

How to identify

The Chiltern gentian has bright purple, five-petalled, trumpet-shaped flowers with fine white stamens inside; the flowers may also be pink or whitish. It has long, narrow, green leaves that are unstalked, growing directly from the reddish stem.

Distribution

Mainly found in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.

Habitats

Did you know?

The Chiltern gentian is largely confined to the Chilterns and is the county flower of Buckinghamshire. In continental Europe, it is more widespread.