Agueweed
Gentianella quinquefolia
Last reviewed: June 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.
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
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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database 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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz