Genus named for the ancient King Gentius of Illyria, the discoverer of the medicinal properties of these plants and and andrewsii in honor of Dr. Henry C. Andrews, 19th century English botannical artist and engraver.

Found on mesic prairies and woodland edges throughout the Tallgrass Region. Blooms from August and past the first few frosts. Leafy, stout, 20-inch unbranched stems produce up tp 2-inch flowewrs from bright to light blue. Occasional white variants are found.

In Switzerland, a remarkably strong alcolholic beverage is distilled from the fermneted roots of one gentian species.

Edible Uses: Unknown

Medicinal Uses:  The root is said to be an antidote to snakebites. An infusion of the roots has been used as a wash and also taken internally in the treatment of pain and headaches. An infusion of the roots has been used as drops for sore eyes. This N. American species has medicinal properties practically identical with the European gentian. The following notes are based on the general uses of G. lutea which is the most commonly used species in the West]. Gentian root has a long history of use as a herbal bitter in the treatment of digestive disorders and is an ingredient of many proprietary medicines. It contains some of the most bitter compounds known and is used as a scientific basis for measuring bitterness. It is especially useful in states of exhaustion from chronic disease and in all cases of debility, weakness of the digestive system and lack of appetite. It is one of the best strengtheners of the human system, stimulating the liver, gall bladder and digestive system, and is an excellent tonic to combine with a purgative in order to prevent its debilitating effects. The root is anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bitter tonic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, febrifuge, refrigerant, stomachic. It is taken internally in the treatment of liver complaints, indigestion, gastric infections and anorexia. It should not be prescribed for patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. It is quite likely that the roots of plants that have not flowered are the richest in medicinal properties.

Herbal Uses: Unknown