Found on dry, calcareous grasslands and sand dunes, Autumn Gentian is a late-flowering biennial - the leaves grow in the first year, and the flowering stem appears in the second. It can sometimes be found growing in large groups, its spikes of purple blooms appearing from July to October.
The Wildlife Trusts manage many grassland and coastal habitats for the benefit of all kinds of wildlife. Careful grazing with traditional breeds, hay-cutting at the right time and scrub clearance are just some of the ways these fragile habitats are kept in good condition - supporting wildflowers like Autumn Gentian and, in turn, invertebrates and the larger animals that prey on them. By volunteering for your local Trust you can help too, and you'll make new friends and learn new skills along the way.
