How much sun does Alpine Gentian need?

Alpine Gentian grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Alpine Gentian bloom?

Alpine Gentian blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Alpine Gentian native?

Alpine Gentian (Gentiana newberryi) is native to CA, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Alpine Gentian attract?

Alpine Gentian draws bees and beetles.

Is Alpine Gentian HOA-friendly?

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

Alpine Gentian

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Gentiana newberryi

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Alpine Gentian (Gentiana newberryi) 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

2"–8" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

CA, NV, OR

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada

Alpine gentian is a tiny native perennial that forms compact mats just 2-8 inches tall. It produces striking blue trumpet-shaped flowers from July through September and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Extremely small size makes it nearly invisible in typical landscaping
May appear sparse or underdeveloped compared to conventional plants
Unknown dormancy appearance could look bare or dead

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract native bees and beetles with their nectar and pollen. Its small size makes it a specialized pollinator plant rather than a major wildlife habitat contributor.

Common questions

How much sun does Alpine Gentian need?: Alpine Gentian grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Alpine Gentian bloom?: Alpine Gentian blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Alpine Gentian native?: Alpine Gentian (Gentiana newberryi) is native to CA, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Alpine Gentian attract?: Alpine Gentian draws bees and beetles.
Is Alpine Gentian HOA-friendly?: Alpine Gentian 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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