The common or yellow gentian (_Gentiana lutea_) is the only species
recognized in American medicine, although the roots of several other
species are found in the drug trade. The plant grows wild in the
mountains of central and southern Europe, but it has proved very poorly
adapted for cultivation in situations beyond its natural range. For
its best development under cultivation, partial shade, similar to
that required by ginseng and goldenseal, seems necessary. The plants
are said to flower when about 6 years old; hence, several years must
elapse after sowing the seed before the roots reach a marketable
size. Apparently there have been no attempts to cultivate gentian
commercially in this country. The prewar wholesale price of imported
gentian root ranged from 4½ to 8 cents a pound. The price in June.
1920, was 12 to 13 cents a pound.