Gentiana autumnalis  Gentiana autumnalis, also known as the pinebarren gentian, is native to the Atlantic coast from New Jersey southward to Georgia. Historically, frequent fires caused by lightning have been common in the wet pine barrens and coastal bogs where this rare species grows. In addition to recycling organic matter to the sandy, acidic, and nutrient-poor soil, these fires serve to maintain the unique plant community of the pinelands by preventing the succession of the ecosystem to hardwood forest. Fire suppression, invasive weeds, and the altering of natural water flows all pose threats to populations of Gentiana autumnalis. |
