Annual Gentian
Gentianella amarella
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 12 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Gentianella amarella is a delicate annual wildflower that produces small, tubular purple or pink flowers from late summer through fall. This compact plant forms neat clumps with narrow leaves and maintains a tidy appearance throughout its growing season. It thrives in full sun with moderate water needs and completes its lifecycle in one year.
In an HOA neighborhood
Annual Gentian 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 coverage
- May not germinate reliably each year
- Considered a wildflower rather than traditional landscaping
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies during the important late-season blooming period when many other flowers have finished. This plant helps extend pollinator resources into fall months.
Common questions
- How much sun does Annual Gentian need?
- Annual Gentian grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Annual Gentian bloom?
- Annual Gentian blooms in August, September, and October.
- Where is Annual Gentian native?
- Annual Gentian (Gentianella amarella) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 12 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Annual Gentian attract?
- Annual Gentian draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Annual Gentian HOA-friendly?
- Annual 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 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 Annual Gentian? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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