Fringed-gentian
Gentianopsis crinita
Last reviewed: June 2026
Gentianopsis crinita (Fringed-gentian) is a native forb blooming July through October across northeastern and midwestern states. This striking wildflower attracts bees and butterflies with its distinctive fringed blue flowers.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
CT, DE, GA, IA and 20 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Fringed gentian is a delicate annual wildflower with distinctive blue flowers that have deeply fringed petals. It blooms from summer through fall, reaching 1-2 feet tall with a compact, upright growth habit. This native plant requires consistent moisture and partial sun conditions to thrive.
Growing Fringed-gentian
Grow Fringed-gentian in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Fringed-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 nature means gaps in coverage some years
- Can appear weedy or sparse when not blooming
- Unpredictable self-seeding pattern looks unplanned
Wildlife value
The nectar-rich blue flowers attract bees and butterflies during the long blooming season from July through October. As a native annual, it provides important late-season nectar when many other flowers have finished blooming.
Common questions
- When does Fringed-gentian bloom?
- Gentianopsis crinita blooms from July through October, with peak flowering typically occurring in late summer and early fall.
- What pollinators visit Fringed-gentian?
- Fringed-gentian attracts bees and butterflies, which are important pollinators for this native wildflower.
- Where is Gentianopsis crinita native?
- Fringed-gentian is native to much of the northeastern and midwestern United States, ranging from Maine south to Georgia and west to North Dakota and Iowa.
- What growing conditions does Fringed-gentian prefer?
- This native forb thrives in medium to moist soils and tolerates full sun to partial shade conditions.
- Is Fringed-gentian HOA-friendly?
- Fringed-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 Fringed-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