closed gentian

noun

1. a gentian, Gentiana andrewsii, of the eastern and central U.S., having tight clusters of dark blue, closed flowers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of closed gentian¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

The closed gentian keeps its darkly impenetrable blue beside the pink-tipped companion stalks of the snakes-head.

From Project Gutenberg

The closed gentian does not hide its flower, but the corolla never opens; it always remains a closed bud.

From Project Gutenberg