How much sun does Downy gentian need?

Downy gentian grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Downy gentian bloom?

Downy gentian blooms in September and October.

Where is Downy gentian native?

Downy gentian (Gentiana puberulenta) is native to AR, IA, IL, IN and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Downy gentian attract?

Downy gentian draws bumble bees.

Downy gentian

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Gentiana puberulenta

Last reviewed: September 2026

Downy gentian (Gentiana puberulenta) is a perennial forb native to AR, IA, IL, IN and 13 more states. It blooms in September and October. The flowers draw bumble bees.

Toxicity unknown

Downy gentian (Gentiana puberulenta) 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

8"–18" H × 8"–12" W

Bloom

Sep, Oct

Native to

AR, IA, IL, IN and 13 more states

Pollinators

bumble bees

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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great Plains Great Plains Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Interior River Valleys and Hills

A compact perennial forb with narrow, opposite leaves and clusters of upright, deep blue, trumpet-shaped flowers that stay nearly closed except when forced open by visiting insects. Blooms in tallgrass prairie and dry, open ground in early fall.

Growing Downy gentian

Grow Downy gentian in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 8 to 18 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The tubular, near-closed flowers are pried open almost exclusively by bumble bees strong enough to force their way in, making the species an important late-season nectar source for them.

Common questions

How much sun does Downy gentian need?: Downy gentian grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Downy gentian bloom?: Downy gentian blooms in September and October.
Where is Downy gentian native?: Downy gentian (Gentiana puberulenta) is native to AR, IA, IL, IN and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Downy gentian attract?: Downy gentian draws bumble bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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

Ready to grow Downy gentian? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app