How much sun does Pine Barren Gentian need?

Pine Barren Gentian grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Pine Barren Gentian bloom?

Pine Barren Gentian blooms in September, October, and November.

Where is Pine Barren Gentian native?

Pine Barren Gentian (Gentiana autumnalis) is native to DE, GA, MD, NC and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Pine Barren Gentian attract?

Pine Barren Gentian draws bees and butterflies.

Is Pine Barren Gentian HOA-friendly?

Pine Barren Gentian takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pine Barren Gentian

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Gentiana autumnalis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Pine Barren Gentian (Gentiana autumnalis) 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

part sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–18" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

DE, GA, MD, NC and 3 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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Pine barren gentian is a small native wildflower that produces vibrant blue-purple tubular blooms in fall when most other flowers have finished. This compact perennial forms neat clumps and thrives in partial sun with moderate moisture, making it an excellent choice for adding late-season color to native gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pine Barren 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.

Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
May be seen as too wild or weedy for formal landscapes
Uncommon plant that HOAs might not recognize as intentional

Wildlife value

The late fall blooms provide crucial nectar for bees and butterflies when few other flowers are available. This makes it particularly valuable for supporting pollinators preparing for winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Pine Barren Gentian need?: Pine Barren Gentian grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Pine Barren Gentian bloom?: Pine Barren Gentian blooms in September, October, and November.
Where is Pine Barren Gentian native?: Pine Barren Gentian (Gentiana autumnalis) is native to DE, GA, MD, NC and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Pine Barren Gentian attract?: Pine Barren Gentian draws bees and butterflies.
Is Pine Barren Gentian HOA-friendly?: Pine Barren 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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