The gentianaceae family contains some of the prettiest wildflowers, the majority found in mountainous habitats, where their large, colorful, intricately constructed blooms can seem out of place in the harsh surroundings. The US has a total of 126 species in 20 genera. Flowers form in small, branched clusters, at the top of upright, leafy stems. Flowers are usually trumpet or bell-shaped, radially symmetric, with 4 or 5 sepals, the same number of stamens and the same number of petals, often completely or partly fused. Stamens are attached at the base of the petal lobes. Leaves are undivided, but can be whorled, alternate or opposite. Plants produce flowers with a wide range of colors. Most species are herbs; some are trees and shrubs.