It is a perennial herb found in western North America.

[2] Gentiana newberryi is a small perennial herb growing short stems which lie against the ground or snake through the grass.

The lobes of the flower corolla have rounded to slightly pointed tips.

Between each of the five lobes is a sinus appendage which comes to a very sharp point and twists into a thread.

The outer surface of the mainly white flower is sharply striped with light to deep blue.