Gentianella campestris is a biennial plant of small size, reaching on average 3–30 centimetres (1.2–11.8 in) in height.

[3] Their color is usually bluish-purple, but may be white, pink or lilac, with petals and sepals fused (gamopetalous and gamosepalous).

Field gentian is widespread in northern, central and southern Europe[2] and its distribution range includes the European Alps and the Jura.

[3] This plant prefers moderately moist to rather dry substrates and neutral or acid soils of alpine meadows, lawns, pastures, forest clearings and roadsides, at an altitude of 1,000–2,300 metres (3,300–7,500 ft) above sea level.

[3] On the Isle of Man the species flourishes at sea level on the Ayres National Nature Reserve.