Bottle Gentian - Gentiana andrewsii

Gentiana andrewsii, also known as Bottle Gentian, is a perennial wildflower native to Michigan and the UP. Bottle Gentain reaches 2 feet tall and flowers from August to October with clusters of closed, bottle-shaped, blue blossoms. It prefers full sun to partial shade, medium to wet soil and will grow in clay, loam or sand. This is a very decorative garden plant in a vibrant color that is sported by few native plants.
 
Favorite of bumblebees, who are able to force their way into the closed flowers, meaning they get all the nectar and pollen for themselves! It is amazing watching them climb completely inside, bumble around, and then pop right back out.