downy gentian (Gentiana puberulenta) blooming at Ludwig Prairie Preserve IA 653A3915

Unlike our other native gentians that like to live in low prairie remnants where the peat soils stay moist most of the year, the downy gentian delights in blooming on dry sandy or rocky prairies.Those vivid deep blue petals put a pretty exclamation point on the final prairie flower color for the year.

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