13b. Gentiana affinis Grisebach in W. J. Hooker var. ovata A. Gray in W. H. Brewer et al., Bot. California. 1: 483. 1876.
[E]
Oregon gentian
Gentiana oregana Engelmann ex A. Gray
Stems (0.5–)1.5–7 dm. Leaves closely spaced proximally, widely spaced distally; blade elliptic to ovate (proximal), or ovate to lanceolate (distal), 4–20(–25) mm wide. Flowers: calyx tube usually not cleft, lobes linear to elliptic-lanceolate or occasionally some rudimentary, (0–)7–13 mm; corolla (12–)30–40(–45) mm, lobes (3–)5–7(–10) mm.
Flowering late summer–fall. Meadows, brushy places, open woods; 0–2300 m; Calif., Idaho, Mont., Nev., Oreg., Wash., Wyo.
Variety ovata differs from var. affinis in its corollas that are wider at the throat, with larger lobes. Plants of this variety, especially those with proportionately wide leaves, thus resemble Gentiana calycosa in aspect. Although some hybridization may have occurred, these taxa can generally be distinguished by details of morphology, especially the presence or absence of cilia on the margins of the leaves and calyx lobes and, in fruiting specimens, whether or not the seeds are winged.
