Great yellow gentian Gentiana lutea
Great yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Gentianaceae family, native to Mountain pastures of central and southern Europe. It grows 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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Great yellow gentian at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Gentianaceae |
| Mature height | 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: root (bitters, gentian liqueurs such as Suze and Enzian) |
| Native to | Mountain pastures of central and southern Europe |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Great yellow gentian toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: root
The root is intensely bitter; it is used in small amounts in bitters and aperitifs. The very similar white false hellebore (Veratrum album), which grows alongside it, is deadly poisonous: never dig wild roots.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Great yellow gentian
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Great yellow gentian
- How far apart should I plant Great yellow gentian?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Great yellow gentian need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Great yellow gentian need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Great yellow gentian?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Great yellow gentian flower?
- From about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Great yellow gentian poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. The root is intensely bitter; it is used in small amounts in bitters and aperitifs. The very similar white false hellebore (Veratrum album), which grows alongside it, is deadly poisonous: never dig wild roots.
- What grows well with Great yellow gentian?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Great yellow gentian. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Alpine Garden Society Encyclopaedia of Alpines and plant portraits, Alpine Garden Society, Pershore (UK)
- Herbal monographs (European Union herbal monographs and assessment reports), European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products
Notes and assumptions
- A stately plant with big, ribbed, bluish leaves in pairs and tall stems ringed with whorls of starry yellow flowers, after about ten years of growth. Its huge, bitter root is the base of Alpine gentian schnapps and French aperitifs; wild digging is regulated.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Stemless gentian Gentiana acaulis
- Tembusu Cyrtophyllum fragrans
- Spring gentian Gentiana verna
- Autumn gentian (Chinese gentian) Gentiana sino-ornata
- Willow gentian Gentiana asclepiadea
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia