Blue Gentian

(Gentiana sceptrum)

According to Mary Elizabeth Parsons (The Wildflowers of California, 1897), "this genus was named for Gentius, an ancient king of Illyria, who is said to have discovered the medicinal virtues of these plants. The drug called 'gentian', a bitter tonic, is made from the root…" It is interesting that Daniel Moerman (Native American Ethnobotany, 1998 ) cites over ten different medicinal uses (including tonic from roots) by several Indian tribes. G. sceptrum is found in California's north coastal counties. A common name is King's Scepter.

High-Quality Giclée Print: $45, plus shipping and handling. Measures 6 x 11 inches (4.5" x 9.5" print, plus .75" white border).