Gentiana villosa L.

Striped Gentian; Pale Gentian

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Sampson's Snakeroot is a perennial wildflower in the Gentian family (Gentianaceae). It is uncommon in Alabama, and is found in scattered locations across the state. Sampson's Snakeroot usually occurs in mesic to dry woods, sandy long leaf pine woods, and on prairies. It has opposite leaves that are dark green and usually widest above the middle. The stems are six to eighteen inches in height. This plant tends to recline or sprawl and not grow upright. The flowers are produced in autumn (September-November). Sampson's Snakeroot flowers are white with green markings on the outside and purple lines on the inside. Unlike some other species of Gentian, those of Sampson's Snakeroot are open. It is a mystery as to why the scientific name of this plant is “villosa” which means hairy. The plant is glabrous. Sampson's Snakeroot is not often available from wildflower nurseries. The seed often take several years to germinate, and plants don’t like their roots disturbed.--A. Diamond

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Native S1 (State Rank) G4 (Global Rank)

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