When does Gentianella quinquefolia bloom?

Agueweed blooms from August through October, producing small purple flowers in late summer and fall.

What pollinators visit Agueweed?

Gentianella quinquefolia attracts bees, butterflies, and moths with its late-season blooms.

Where is Gentianella quinquefolia native?

Agueweed is native to much of the eastern and midwestern United States, from Maine south to Georgia and west to Kansas and Minnesota.

What growing conditions does Agueweed prefer?

This native forb grows best in partial sun with medium moisture conditions, though it can tolerate a range of light and water levels.

Is Agueweed HOA-friendly?

Agueweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Agueweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Gentianella quinquefolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Gentianella quinquefolia (Agueweed) is a native annual forb blooming purple flowers from August through October across eastern and midwestern United States. This wildflower thrives in partial sun with medium moisture and attracts bees, butterflies, and moths.

Toxicity unknown

Agueweed (Gentianella quinquefolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 3"–12" W

Bloom

Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AR, CT, GA, IA and 23 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark Highlands Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Northern Forests Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Gentianella quinquefolia is a small annual wildflower that produces delicate purple tubular flowers from late summer through fall. This native plant grows in a compact form and provides late-season color when many other plants are finished blooming.

Growing Agueweed

Grow Agueweed in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 3 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Agueweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Annual lifecycle means gaps in plantings each year
Small size and wild appearance may look sparse in formal settings
Relatively unknown plant may be mistaken for a weed

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and moths, providing important nectar during the fall when fewer blooming plants are available. This makes it particularly valuable for supporting pollinators preparing for winter.

Common questions

When does Gentianella quinquefolia bloom?: Agueweed blooms from August through October, producing small purple flowers in late summer and fall.
What pollinators visit Agueweed?: Gentianella quinquefolia attracts bees, butterflies, and moths with its late-season blooms.
Where is Gentianella quinquefolia native?: Agueweed is native to much of the eastern and midwestern United States, from Maine south to Georgia and west to Kansas and Minnesota.
What growing conditions does Agueweed prefer?: This native forb grows best in partial sun with medium moisture conditions, though it can tolerate a range of light and water levels.
Is Agueweed HOA-friendly?: Agueweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Agueweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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