Gentiana calycosa is a species of flowering plant in the family Gentianaceae. It is a herbaceous perennial gentian known by the common names explorer's gentian, Rainier pleated gentian, and mountain bog gentian.

Description

The flower of Gentiana calycosa is a funnel-shaped cup opening into a five-petaled face 3 to 5 cm wide, in shades of deep blue to purple. The plant has hardy, thick green leaves on the thin red stems from which the flowers are borne.

Distribution and habitat

It is native to the mid-elevation mountains of the western United States and Canada from the Sierra Nevada of California to the Canadian Cascades. It grows in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, wet meadows, and seeps.

Cultivation

Like other gentians, G. calycosa is an attractive mountain wildflower good for use in alpine gardens, but it may be difficult to grow, preferring rocky soils that are moist.