(A) Downy Gentian (Gcntiana puberula ) is a hand¬ 
some species springing from a perennial root, the sim¬ 
ple, straight stem, rising from 8 to 18 inches high; the 
stem is usually rough and slightly hairy. The light 
green leaves are stiff and seated oppositely on the stem. 
The flowers are borne in terminal clusters or, some¬ 
times, from the axils of the upper leaves; they are bell¬ 
shaped with five triangular, slightly spreading lobes. 
In color they are brilliant violet blue. 
Downy Gentian is common in dry fields and on 
prairies from Pa. to Ga. and west to Minn, and Mo., 
flowering during September and October. 
(B) Solitary Gentian (Gentiana Porphyrio) is a 
pretty little species growing in moist places from 
southern N. J. to Fla. The simple, slender stem 
ranges in height from 6 to 15 inches and bears at the 
summit a solitary, erect, bell-shaped flower, of a light 
ultramarine blue color; the five, spreading lobes are 
notched at their bases. The flower is very large com¬ 
pared to the stem and leaves of the plant it grows upon; 
the blossom measures from 2 to 2y 2 inches long, which 
is about the length of the linear leaves. 
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