Largeflower prairiegentain (Eustoma grandiflorum)

MAY-AUGUST

Largeflower Prairiegentian Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinners (GENTIAN FAMILY)

Largeflower prairiegentian is a glabrous, erect annual 1-2 ft tall and branching above. The opposite, sessile leaves clasp the stem and are ovate to oblong. The inflorescence is usually a solitary flower with 5 to 6 purple to lavender-purple petals joined at the base to form a tube. The anthers are yellow and prominent, and the 2-lobed stigma is striking. The corolla is bell-shaped and the plant is sometimes referred to as bluebell.