Scientific Family
Gentianaceae
Synonyms
Arenberia glauca, Chlora exaltatum, Erythraea plumieri, Eustoma silenifolium, Gentiana exaltata, Lisianthus exaltatus
Other common names
small bluebell
blue marsh lily
seaside gentian
marsh gentian
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual or perennial
Similar species
Eustoma russellianum
Height
To about 3-1/4 feet
Riparian
Yes
Annual (often) or a short-lived perennial with 1 to several erect stems. Leaves and stems are bluish-green and can be smooth or covered with a waxy, whitish coating. Showy cup-shaped flowers in white or shades of purple grow on long stalks at stem tips.
Erect, branching stems to over 3 feet; leaves clasping, opposite, bluish-green; large, light purple, pinkish-purple or white 5-petaled flowers with white and darker purple rings or blotches around the throats, protruding stamens and yellow anthers.
Habitat
Grows in wet, often chalky or saline areas like marshes, moist prairies, along stream beds and rivers. At times found in ditches, roadsides and abandoned fields; uncommon in Arizona.
Plant Community
Riparian
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
1000
High elevation
2500
Flower Characteristics
Flowers solitary at the stem tips or may grow in elongated clusters. Each flower has 2 to 3 inch wide blooms with prominent white and deep purple markings in the throat. The 5 petals are fused and taper into a narrow tube at the yellowish flower base.
Flower color
Light purple, pinkish-purple, white
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves are 3/4 to 4 inches long, about 1/8 inch wide. Spoon-shaped basal leaves have short leafstalks, oblong stem leaves are stalkless and clasp the stem. At times, leaf blades are pressed flat on the stem forming a V-shape moving upward on the stem.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Bluish-green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit is sticky, about 1/2 inch long with an elongated oval shape and produces many seeds.
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Green
The seed is tiny, brown and globe-shaped with many small holes or "pits" on its surface (honeycombed).