Orangefruit Horse-gentian
Triosteum aurantiacum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Triosteum aurantiacum (Orangefruit Horse-gentian) is a native perennial forb found across eastern and central United States. It blooms from May through July with orange fruits and thrives in partial shade conditions.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AR, CT, DE, GA and 26 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Orangefruit horse-gentian is a perennial that grows 1-3 feet tall with broad, opposite leaves and small reddish flowers in late spring and early summer. The plant produces distinctive bright orange berries in fall that give it its common name.
Growing Orangefruit Horse-gentian
Grow Orangefruit Horse-gentian in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Orangefruit Horse-gentian takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Coarse, weedy appearance that doesn't match typical landscaping expectations
- Large leaves and informal growth habit look unkempt to many homeowners
- Uncommon plant that HOAs may not recognize as intentional landscaping
Wildlife value
This plant attracts bees and beetles during its May through July bloom period. The orange berries provide food for birds in late summer and fall.
Common questions
- When does Orangefruit Horse-gentian bloom?
- Triosteum aurantiacum blooms from May through July, producing small flowers followed by distinctive orange fruits.
- What pollinators visit Orangefruit Horse-gentian?
- Bees and beetles are the primary pollinators of Triosteum aurantiacum, attracted to its spring and early summer flowers.
- Where is Orangefruit Horse-gentian native?
- This species is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Georgia and west to Kansas and Nebraska.
- What growing conditions does Orangefruit Horse-gentian prefer?
- Triosteum aurantiacum grows best in partial shade with medium moisture levels, making it suitable for woodland gardens and naturalized areas.
- Is Orangefruit Horse-gentian HOA-friendly?
- Orangefruit Horse-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 Orangefruit Horse-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