Tag Archives: Pleated Gentian

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I have never found one of these beauties. But Chris Pechal found this blooming at The Sea Ranch recently. It's called Pleated Gentian, Gentian affinis.

I shared Chris’ photo with botanist Peter Baye. He confirmed the ID, writing, “Definitely Gentian affinis. That’s an exceptionally pure and large-spotted one. It is distributed right along the immediate coast in well-drained sandy marine terrace soils. There are some old records of it near you in Anchor Bay, and Amy Ruegg reported one from Sea Ranch.” I’ll be looking at my place in Anchor Bay. I have well-drained sandy soil!

Breezy and cooler today, temps in the low 70's.

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Mary Sue Ittner and her husband, Bob Rutemoeller, were exploring Salt Point State Park last week. They came across two wonderful finds of rare wildflowers. The first is Nuttall's Milkvetch, Astragulus nuttallii, var. virgatus. There are a few white flowers left, but you are mostly looking at are the large inflated seed pods.

Nuttall's Milkvetch, Astragulus nuttallii,var. virgatus by Mary Sue Ittner

And the second one is Pleated Gentian, Gentiana affinis, var. ovata.

Pleated Gentian, Gentiana affinis, var. ovata by Mary Sue Ittner

Great finds and wonderful to see! Thanks to Mary Sue for allowing me to share her photos with you here.