''Eustoma russellianum'' is a species of flowering plant in the
gentian family. One of its previous
binomial name
In taxonomy, binomial nomenclature ("two-term naming system"), also called binary nomenclature, is a formal system of naming species of living things by giving each a name composed of two parts, both of which use Latin grammatical forms, altho ...
s was ''Eustoma grandiflorum''.
Common names include showy prairie gentian, prairie gentian, Texas bluebells, Texas bluebell, bluebell,
and Lisianthus.
There is a cultivar, 'Bolero Deep Blue'.
Description
''Eustoma russellianum'' has blue-green waxy leaves and showy bell shaped flowers in blue pink or white each borne singly on an upright plant. Depending on growing conditions it may present as an annual, biennial, or perennial plant.
Distribution and habitat
It is found primarily in the
Great Plains
The Great Plains is a broad expanse of plain, flatland in North America. The region stretches east of the Rocky Mountains, much of it covered in prairie, steppe, and grassland. They are the western part of the Interior Plains, which include th ...
region of North America, from Wyoming southeast to Nebraska, and south to Texas and Mexico.
Due to its popularity and the frequency with which it is picked, it has been unable to naturally reseed itself in its native distribution.
It prefers moist, sandy soils and often grows near streams, creek-beds, moist meadows, and springs.
Cultivation
Prairie gentian is a popular garden flower, and has been cultivated in Japan for over 70 years.
Many varieties, including those with double petals, or a variety of colored flowers, have been developed.
It is not often attempted in native wildflower gardens due to its high moisture requirements and short lifespan.
Diseases
Viral and viroid diseases
References
Common Names of Diseases, The American Phytopathological Society
Gentianaceae
Endemic flora of the United States
Flora of the United States
Flora of Northeastern Mexico
Flora of the South-Central United States
Flora of Arkansas
Flora of Colorado
Flora of Kansas
Flora of Louisiana
Flora of Montana
Flora of Nebraska
Flora of Oklahoma
Flora of South Dakota
Flora of Wyoming
{{Gentianales-stub