Marsh gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe)


Illustration of Gentiana pneumonanthe by Gillian Barlow

Species: Gentiana pneumonanthe
Common Name: Marsh gentian
Status: Protected, Swedish Environmental
Protection Agency
Range: Europe

Map of Europe illustrating the range of Gentiana pneumonanthe

Artist: Gillian Barlow
Artist Home Country: United Kingdom
Medium: Watercolor

The rare Alcon Blue butterfly depends on this gentian and an ant species for survival, an example of how one species’ extinction can lead to other losses. Marsh gentians occur in heathlands and boggy meadows, both shrinking habitats throughout Europe.

A specimen of Marsh gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe) from the museum's herbarium collection:

National Herbarium preserved specimen of Gentiana pneumonanthe