Pronounced (approximate): jen-shee-an-OP-sis ver-GAH-tuh
A slender native gentian with blue flowers opening into four rounded, delicately fringed lobes.
Lesser Fringed Gentian (Gentianopsis virgata): field photograph. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Gentianaceae
Life cycle Annual or biennial
Blooms Late summer–early fall
Height 3 to 18 inches
Habitat Wet meadows, fens, shores and open moist thickets
Common names: Lesser Fringed Gentian · Small Fringed Gentian
Bloom timing varies with latitude, weather and local conditions.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Wet meadows, fens, shores and open moist thickets. Flowering season: Late summer–early fall.
Greater Fringed Gentian generally has broader leaves and longer, more conspicuous petal fringes. Compare both foliage and flowers.
Four blue corolla lobes have relatively short fringes.
Leaves are narrow, opposite and stalkless.
Slender smooth stems bear individual flowers at their tips. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
10 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Native to Canada and northern United States.
Reported U.S. distribution
CO, IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MT, NJ, NY, ND, OH, SD, WI
Includes native and introduced state records where listed; a state record does not imply occurrence in every county.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Lesser Fringed Gentian in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.