Annual Gentian
Gentianella amarella
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Annual Gentian (Gentianella amarella) 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
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse 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 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz