Bitterwort, Gentian, Yellow gentian
Gentiana lutea
Family: Gentianaceae
What it is like
A herb which keeps growing from year to year. It forms clumps. It has fleshy roots. The stems are stout and hollow. It grows 1.5 m tall. The leaves are broadly oval and pleated. They are 30 cm long. The flowers are star shaped and in rings in clusters. They are yellow.
There are about 400 Gentiana species. It is used in herbal medicine.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows naturally in mountain locations that are sunny but not too hot. It needs moist conditions and a deep, humus-rich soil. It can tolerate frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Albania, Alps, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Balkans, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Europe, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The roots are used to make bitter liqueur. They are used as an aromatic flavour in alcoholic drinks. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer. It is also used to flavour pork, poultry and rice dishes.
About 6,000 tons of fresh root are harvested in Europe each year.
Edible parts
Rhizome - spice, roots
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. They do not transplant easily so should be sown where they are to grow.
It is slow growing.
Its other names
Local names
Einsangna, Genciana, Genziana