gentian, (genus Gentiana), any of about 400 species of annual or perennial (rarely biennial) flowering plants of the family Gentianaceae distributed worldwide in temperate and alpine regions, especially in Europe and Asia, North and South America, and New Zealand.

Where does gentian come from?

What is gentian root? Gentian root comes from flowering plants in the Gentiana genus, which includes more than 400 species that grow in the highlands in parts of Europe, Asia, and the Americas ( 1 ). Gentiana flowers come in a variety of beautiful colors, but only the root is used for medicinal purposes.

Can you grow gentian?

Plant gentian in moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.0 to 7.5 in Sunset’s Climate Zones 6 through 22. Grow gentian in partial shade in areas where summers are warm and dry, or in full sun where summers are cool and damp. Small species, up to 6-inches, are spaced 6 to 12 inches apart.