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Prairie Gentian
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Prairie Gentian, a.k.a. Downy Gentian, scientific name is Gentiana puberulenta, another of the blue gems in the Gentian family. This one likes mesic to dry-mesic prairie, in this case growing in a site that is being restored to an approximation of the original prairie.
I've reposted this photo due to the first posting being badly optimized with too much saturation. The initial posting was done with bright sun shining into the room, gave me an inaccurate view of what I was doing as the brighter light washed the color out. I re-did the optimization today under darker working conditions, that gave me better color accuracy, although now the blue color of the flower looks a bit washed out. I find Gentians to be very difficult to photograph accurately. The pinkish blotches in the flowers were not visible to my eye when I took the photo. I suspect there's a lot of infrared light coming off the flower that's causing the color accuracy problems.
Kingdom-Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom-Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision-Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division-Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class-Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass-Asteridae
Order-Gentianales
Family-Gentianaceae – Gentian family
Genus-Gentiana L.
Species-Gentiana puberulenta J. Pringle
More info, from the Illinois Wildflowers site:
Description: This native perennial plant is unbranched and about ¾–1½' tall. The central stem is slightly reddish and has lines of minute white hairs that are difficult to see. The leaves are up to 3" long and 1¼" across. They are oppositely arranged along the central stem, except at the apex of the plant, where they occur in a whorl of 3-7 smaller leaves. They are lanceolate, sessile, and have smooth margins. On each leaf, there is a minute pubescence along the central vein at the base, otherwise the texture tends to be shiny. Two smaller side veins run parallel to the central vein. One or more clusters of 1-8 flowers occur at or near the apex of the plant. The inflorescence is sessile at the topmost whorl of leaves, otherwise the flowers occur on short stalks from the axils of the upper opposite leaves. The violet-blue flowers are about 2" long and 1" across when fully open. The corolla is tubular and vase-shaped, but divides into 5 small triangular lobes that reflex outward. Within the corolla, there is a prominent stigma with a divided white tip, which is surrounded by 5 stamens with white anthers. The outer sides of the corolla contain some patches of greenish violet, while it becomes whitish green near the base on the inside. The blooming period occurs during the fall, and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral fragrance. The seed capsules split into 2 sections, releasing numerous small seeds that can be dispersed by wind or water. The root system consists of a long stout taproot with a few lateral roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and average to dry soil. The soil texture can consist of rich loam, clay-loam, or contain some gravel. Prairie Gentian is often difficult to start from seed, but fairly easy to establish from transplants. Foliar disease rarely bothers the leaves. This plant is quite drought resistant.
Range & Habitat: Prairie Gentian occurs occasionally in NE Illinois, and is rare or absent elsewhere. It is an indicator plant of original prairie and other high quality habitats. Such habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravelly hill prairies, barrens with stunted trees or shrubs, limestone glades, and prairie remnants along railroads. Occasionally, Prairie Gentian forms small loose colonies. It adapts well to a regimen of occasional spring wildfires, as this removes some of the grassy debris that can smother this plant.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees are attracted to the nectar of the flowers and cross-pollinate them. Some beetles may gnaw on the flowers or eat the seeds, such as Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle). The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds. Mammalian herbivores usually don't bother this plant because the leaves are bitter. Overall, the value of this plant to wildlife is low.
Comments: This is one of the most beautiful plants on the prairie during the fall, with exceptionally vivid blue-violet flowers. Prairie Gentian can be distinguished from other gentians that occur within the state by its more open corolla and the small, reflexed lobes. It is also has fine white hairs on the stems and at the base of the leaves, but they are often hard to see. Another scientific name for this plant is Gentiana puberula; another common name is 'Downy Gentian.' |
cicindela, ferranjlloret, tuslaw, jusninasirun, Pitoncle, boreocypriensis has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes. |
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- joska
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 406 W: 0 N: 1011]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(5434) - [2009-09-28 10:40]
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Very good colors and details, some similar growth by us.
Hello John!
Very nice picture of Gentiana puberulenta, species not known for me before. I like a lot its natural colour, it is not too often among flowers. Lovely details and very nice close-up. Also note is very informative.
All the best from Poland,
Radomir
Hello John,
Beautiful capture, with very nice colors. The sharpness is very good too. TFS,
Catherine
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- mlgb
![Silver Note Writer [C: 4 W: 0 N: 31]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/n-n-s.gif)
(121) - [2009-09-28 12:32]
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I think as good a job as can be done on the colors. I have had the same problems with photographing flowers in this deep blue/purple shade. The shading and tones on the buds are very nice.
nice colours, nice close up, TFS Ori
Hello John,
Good document of this especies Gentiana puberulenta, TFS
Ferran
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- tuslaw
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 502 W: 20 N: 1381]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(4831) - [2009-09-28 18:31]
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Hello John,
An exceptionally beautiful bloom, must have been exciting to actually view it in the wild. I'm sure I'll probably never run into one around here. Blue is my favorite color when it comes to flowers, so this one is a real eye catcher in my book.
I did go to a bog that is about four miles away from home and is now protected by the State. It had a few plants that you wouldn't normally see, but they were about done for the year. I'll have to go back next year when they are in full bloom.
Ron
Hi John.
This is a very nice shot at the flower that I have never seen before. The tall frame choice is very nice and the natural color and details are really pleasing to see. Thanks for sharing and have a nice day.
Jusni
Bonjour John,
Très belle publication, riche en détails et en couleurs, présentant bien les sujets à différents stades végétatifs ; je regrette que le cadrage soit aussi serré.
A bientôt sur TN pour de nouvelles aventures.
Gérard
Hi MF John,
I surprised with this shot. Because i am sure that i wrote this perfect macro before. Shame for me:(.
As usual an impressive close-up with flawles results.
TFS and have a nice day MF!
Cheers,
Bayram
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 499 W: 57 N: 1348]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(4742)