Spurred Gentian
Halenia elliptica
Family: Gentianaceae
What it is like
Halenia elliptica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Beside streams in valleys, grassland slopes, scrub, forest margins and forests at elevations of 700 - 4,100 metres.
E. Asia - Himalayas from India to China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The entire plant is used in Tibetan medicine, it is considered to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency. It is cholagogue and febrifuge. It is used in the treatment of liver inflammations, stomach complaints and fevers from contagious diseases.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a cool, damp soil with a pH of 5 - 6, and a position in light shade with protection from strong winds. Plants are not very hardy outdoors in this country and are best treated as frost-tender annuals.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in early spring in a cool greenhouse. Only just cover the seed. Prick out into individual pots once the plants are large enough to handle and plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist