Gentianella quinquefolia

Eastern Stiff Gentian

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Family: Gentianaceae (Gentian family)

Mid-Atlantic bloom time: August - October

There are two varieties of Stiff Gentian in the mid-Atlantic region: Eastern Stiff Gentian (Gentianella quinquefolia var. quinquefolia) and Western Stiff Gentian (Gentianella quinquefolia var. occidentalis). The Western variety is rare and prefers limestone and dolomite woodlands and barrens. The Eastern variety is more common and is found in the mountains. It is generally smaller than the Western variety in all respects, without conspicuously long, lanceolate calyx lobes. Additionally, the Eastern variety corollas are cleft less deeply than in var. occidentalis, giving the flowers a more closed aspect.

Bumble bees are one of the primary pollinators of Eastern Stiff Gentian.

22 September 2023 Dolly Sods Wilderness, Monongahela National Forest, Elkins, WV (var. quinquefolia)	22 September 2023 Dolly Sods Wilderness, Monongahela National Forest, Elkins, WV (var. quinquefolia; note open ends of fully mature flowers)	22 September 2023 Dolly Sods Wilderness, Monongahela National Forest, Elkins, WV (var. quinquefolia)	19 September 2025 Shenandoah National Park (Central District), VA (var. quinquefolia)
19 September 2025 Shenandoah National Park (Central District), VA (var. quinquefolia)	19 September 2025 Shenandoah National Park (Central District), VA (var. quinquefolia)	19 September 2025 Shenandoah National Park (Central District), VA (var. quinquefolia)	19 September 2025 Shenandoah National Park (Central District), VA (var. quinquefolia) (with Bombus impatiens bumble bee diving into flower)
19 September 2025 Shenandoah National Park (Central District), VA (var. quinquefolia)	19 September 2025 Shenandoah National Park (Central District), VA (var. quinquefolia) (spider hoping to catch a pollinator)	19 September 2025 Shenandoah National Park (Central District), VA (var. quinquefolia) (cutaway view of flower showing central spike)

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