Herbs annual, 0.1–1.5(–3) dm, glabrous, not rhizomatous. Stems 1–10, ascending to erect, simple or few-branched. Leaves basal and cauline; cauline ± evenly spaced; basal blades elliptic to obovate, 0.5–1.2 cm × 2–8 mm, apex obtuse; cauline blades ovate to lanceolate, 0.3–1.2 cm × 2–6 mm, apex obtuse to acute. Inflorescences solitary flowers at ends of main axis and branches and in axils, branches of largest plants thus forming cymes. Flowers: calyx (8–)11–16 mm, lobes linear-lanceolate, 2–6 mm, margins not ciliate; corolla deep blue or occa­sionally white, salverform, open, (11–)17–25 mm, lobes spreading, ovate-elliptic, 3–6 mm, plicae small, ± trian­gular, distally bifid; anthers distinct. Seeds not winged. 2n = 14 (Iceland, Europe).

Phenology: Flowering summer.
Habitat: Meadows, exposed, rocky slopes.
Elevation: 0–700 m.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Greenland, Nfld. and Labr. (Labr.), Que., Eurasia, Atlantic Islands (Iceland).

Discussion

Gentiana nivalis is found in arctic and alpine regions of Europe and western Asia.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.