1. Gentiana nivalis Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 1: 229. 1753.
Snow gentian, gentiane des neiges, sne-ensian
Herbs annual, 0.1–1.5(–3) dm, glabrous, not rhizomatous. Stems 1–10, ascending to erect, simple or few-branched. Leaves basal and cauline; cauline ± evenly spaced; basal blades elliptic to obovate, 0.5–1.2 cm × 2–8 mm, apex obtuse; cauline blades ovate to lanceolate, 0.3–1.2 cm × 2–6 mm, apex obtuse to acute. Inflorescences solitary flowers at ends of main axis and branches and in axils, branches of largest plants thus forming cymes. Flowers: calyx (8–)11–16 mm, lobes linear-lanceolate, 2–6 mm, margins not ciliate; corolla deep blue or occasionally white, salverform, open, (11–)17–25 mm, lobes spreading, ovate-elliptic, 3–6 mm, plicae small, ± triangular, distally bifid; anthers distinct. Seeds not winged. 2n = 14 (Iceland, Europe).
Flowering summer. Meadows, exposed, rocky slopes; 0–700 m; Greenland; Nfld. and Labr. (Labr.), Que.; Eurasia; Atlantic Islands (Iceland).
Gentiana nivalis is found in arctic and alpine regions of Europe and western Asia.
