its longer stem, perhaps 2 to 3 inches long, on which 

 only two or three pairs of opposite leaves are borne, and by 

 the fact that the lower leaves are smaller than the upper. 

 The Spring Gentian (Gentiana verna) has a very short stem, 

 covered by closely packed leaves like the short-leaved 

 variety, and like it, too, the lower leaves are the larger, but 

 its leaves are harder, narrower, and more pointed, and short 

 wing-like projections are found on its calyx. 



