Gentiana lutea, commonly known as the great yellow gentian, is a robust perennial herb native to the mountainous regions of central and southern Europe, particularly the Alps and the Pyrenees. It is one of the largest members of the Gentiana genus, renowned for its bold stature and striking golden-yellow flowers. The plant forms a sturdy clump of large, opposite, elliptic leaves at its base, from which tall, erect stems can rise up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in height. In summer, the stems bear dense whorls of trumpet-shaped yellow flowers arranged in tiers, creating a dramatic and architectural presence in alpine meadows and rocky slopes. Gentiana lutea prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in deep, well-drained, calcareous soils rich in moisture. With its impressive form and radiant blooms, Gentiana lutea stands as one of Europe’s most iconic alpine wildflowers.