Native Plants
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Swertia perennis
Swertia perennis L.
Felwort, Star Gentian
Gentianaceae (Gentian Family)
Synonym(s): Swertia perennis var. obtusa
USDA Symbol: SWPE
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
Several erect stems, with most leaves at base, and star-like, pale bluish-purple flowers with greenish or white spots in an open, branched, but narrow cluster at the top.
The genus is named for E. Sweert, a 16th-century Dutch gardener and author.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Green , Blue , PurpleBloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NM , NV , OR , UT , WA , WYCanada: BC
Native Distribution: Alaska to the southern Sierra Nevada of California; east to New Mexico; north through the Rocky Mountains to Canada.
Native Habitat: Meadows and moist places at high mountain elevations.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACW | FACW | FAC | FACW |
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Swertia perennis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Swertia perennis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Swertia perennis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-04-04Research By: TWC Staff