The Gentian

Emblematic of the mountains, the stemless gentian can be found between 1,600 and 3,000 metres above sea level. These large, trumpet-shaped, dark blue flowers bloom from May to June. This species should not be confused with its better-known cousin, the great yellow gentian, which has tall stems. Yellow gentian’s roots are thought to have medicinal properties. Its roots are also used to make gentian alcohol.