This species is known as the soapwort gentian or harvestbells and is similar in appearance to the closed gentian (G. andrewsii), except that it has flowers that are a more pale blue violet and sometimes white. The flowers open slightly. When the petals are spread open by hand, the petal tips can be seen to be free of the fringed joining membrane. The sepals are more erect rather than reflexed. The plant grows 1 to 2.5 feet tall in wet areas and swamps.

The blooming period is September to October. Only bumblebees are strong enough to force their way into the flower for pollination.