I found a flower several years ago on the edge of a local upstate lake when I was fishing and have wondered since what the plant was. Large baby blue flowers that were closed during the day.
Can you help with the identification. Thanks.
David
Hi David,
this plant is called a bottle gentian, Gentiana saponaria. These tend to grow near creeks and other wet areas. There are several species of bottle gentian, but this one is the one most frequently seen in our area in the Fall. It is one of the last flowers in our area to bloom and can even be seen in November.
Sincerely,
Steven Hill, Ph.D. Botanist SCNPS