Gentiana alba otherwise known as Plain Gentian is bursting into bloom in Herbie’s Garden. The bottle-shaped white blooms are a unique sight to see as fall creeps into the Gardens. Gentian is a native plant that normally blooms in blue hues, so the white surprises visitors as they pass by. This plant is not only loved by our native and beneficial wildlife but has also been used for centuries as a medicinal plant. Gentian plants are named after King Gentius of ancient Illyria, who is said to have discovered the medicinal value of these plants. You can see Plain Gentian, Joe Pye Weed, Black-Eyed Susans, Blue Bottle Gentian, Anemone, Turtlehead, Japanese Spikenard, and Obedient Plant blooming in the Gardens.

Plain Gentian