Gentiana verna, the spring gentian, is a species of the genus Gentiana and one of its smallest members, normally only growing to a height of a few centimetres. The short stem supports up to three opposing pairs of elliptical or lanceolate leaves. The conspicuous vivid blue (sometimes purplish-red or rarely white) flowers are 1–2 cm in diameter, with a deeply five-lobed corolla; they are produced in late spring to early summer.
Prefers a gritty, loamy soil which is moist but well-drained and which does not dry out in summer. During summer water can be done more often.