The herbaceous perennial plant Gentiana calycosa is a species of gentian known by the common names Rainier pleated gentian and Mountain bog gentian. It is native to the mid-elevation mountains of the western United States and Canada from the Sierra Nevada of California to the Canadian Cascades. The flower is a funnel-shaped cup opening into a five-petaled face 3 to 5 centimeters (1.2 to 2.0 in) wide, in shades of deep blue to purple. The plant has hardy, thick green leaves on the thin red stems from which the flowers are borne. Like other gentians, G. calycosa is an attractive mountain wildflower good for use in alpine gardens.
These wildflowers can be seen throughout Mount Rainier National Park. The blue color of the blooms is particularly striking when the sun shines on the wildflower. Popular areas of the park such as Paradise are known to have sprays of these flowers blooming along the path near the Henry M. Jackson visitor center, and the trails at Paradise.
Flower Family: Primrose
Scientific Name: Gentiana calycosa
Usual Color: Blue-purple
