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.
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.
Does Annual Gentian fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.