Most modern state and regional floras for eastern North America use the binomial Swertia caroliniensis (Walt.) Kuntze, rather than Frasera caroliniensis Walt., for the American Columbo. Cytological studies by Rork (1949) and cytological, morphological and anatomical studies by Post (1956) provide strong evidence that Frasera Walt. is a distinct genus from Swertia L. Recent chemical studies on F. caroliniensis by Stout and Balkenhol (1969) further support the separation of the two genera. Thus, the correct binomial for the eastern American Columbo is Frasera caroliniensis Walt.