Marsh gentian

The bright blue, trumpet-shaped flowers of the marsh gentian contrast deeply with the pinks and purples of the wet heaths it inhabits. The New Forest holds a large population of this late-flowering plant.

Enw gwyddonol

Gentiana pneumonanthe

Pryd i'w gweld

July to October

Species information

Ystadegau

Height: up to 30cm

Rare and localised.

Ynghylch

The marsh gentian is a rare plant of acidic bogs and wet heathlands whose bright blue, trumpet-shaped flowers appear from July to October, contrasting with the pinks and purples of the heath. There are particularly strong populations of this flower in the New Forest, where a white variety has also occurred.

Sut i'w hadnabod

The upright, unbranched stems of marsh gentian hold aloft the blue, trumpet-shaped flowers that are delicately striped with green. Narrow leaves are carried up the stem in pairs.