About Gentiana pennelliana Fernald
Gentiana pennelliana Fernald is also classified as Gentiana autumnalis subsp. pennelliana, a perennial herb that grows to approximately 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) in height. Its leaves are linear-elliptic, 3 to 4 centimeters (1.2 to 1.6 inches) long, and widely spaced along its stem. This plant produces distinctive white tubular flowers that are sometimes edged in purple; these flowers are solitary and grow at the end of stems. The flower opening has a 7 centimeter (2.8 inch) long flare, with five smooth-edged lobes alternating with five shorter fringed membranes. This taxon is endemic to parts of the Florida panhandle, where it grows naturally in pine flatwoods, wet prairies, and seepage slopes. It is adapted to fire, flowers from November to December, and flowers prolifically when stimulated by fires.
