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Scientific Name: Swertia RadiataCommon Name: Green Gentian, Monument Plant, or Deer's Tongue Family: Gentian Color: Greenish White Description: A 2 to 6 foot stalk with flowers covering most of its length. The freckled, symmetrical, four-petaled flowers are 1 to 2 inches across and on each one are twin, fuzzy nectar glands. The thin, grass-like sepals can be seen pointing out between the petals. Surrounding the swollen ovary in the center are four thick stamens, short with stout anthers. The leaves are large at the bottom and reduced up the stalk. Habitat: Semi-moist open slopes. Edibility: Native Americans enjoyed the roots of this plant cooked or raw, but to most they are bitter-tasting. Comments: Green gentian is a biennial which means it takes two years to complete its growth cycle. Its first year of growth produces the stalk and some of the whorled leaves. It is not until the second year that the buds form and then flower.     |