Wildflowers of Europe
Gentiana lutea
| Family : | GENTIANACEAE (Gentian Family) |
| Common Name (UK) : | Great Yellow Gentian |
| Common Name (DE) : | Gelber Enzian |
| Common Name (FR) : | Gentiane jaune |
| Habitat : | Prairies and rocky slopes |
| Remarks : | The bitter root is used to make an alcoholic drink. Its name derives from Gentius, King of Illyria (180-167 BC) who discovered the plant's healing value. It was used in the Middle Ages as an antidote to certain poisons. Gentian root has a long history of use as a herbal bitter in the treatment of digestive disorders and is an ingredient of many proprietary medicines. It contains some of the most bitter compounds known and is used as a scientific basis for measuring bitterness. This was also used to flavor the bitter soft drink Moxie, and it inspired a new word in the American vocabulary, i.e., someone was said to have moxie. |
| First appearing : | June |
| Abundance : | |
| Closest Location to Stuttgart : | Near Raichberg mountain, Onstmettingen, Swabian Alb. N48° 18.489' E8° 59.773' |
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