When does Gentiana affinis bloom?

Pleated gentian typically flowers from July through September, with color often peaking in August in higher elevation meadows.

What pollinators visit Pleated Gentian?

Bees and butterflies are the main visitors, attracted to the tubular blue-purple flowers.

How much sun and water does this plant need?

It does best in part sun with medium soil moisture, though established plants can handle somewhat drier spots.

What kind of habitat suits Gentiana affinis?

It grows well in mountain meadows, open prairies, and grassy slopes in cooler, higher elevation climates.

Is Pleated Gentian HOA-friendly?

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

Pleated Gentian

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Gentiana affinis

Last reviewed: September 2026

Gentiana affinis, the pleated gentian, is a low growing forb that blooms blue-purple from July through September in mountain meadows and prairies. It grows best in part sun with medium moisture and draws bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Pleated Gentian (Gentiana affinis) 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

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Madrean Archipelago

Pleated gentian is a compact native wildflower that produces stunning deep blue to purple trumpet-shaped blooms from July through September. This low-growing perennial forms neat clumps and thrives in partial sun with moderate moisture, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens or border plantings.

Growing Pleated Gentian

Grow Pleated Gentian in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 2 to 6 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pleated 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.

Very small size may appear sparse in formal landscapes
Unknown dormancy appearance could look untidy
May be perceived as too 'wild' for front yard applications

Wildlife value

The vibrant blue flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the late summer blooming period. This plant provides valuable nectar when many other native flowers are finishing their bloom cycles.

Common questions

When does Gentiana affinis bloom?: Pleated gentian typically flowers from July through September, with color often peaking in August in higher elevation meadows.
What pollinators visit Pleated Gentian?: Bees and butterflies are the main visitors, attracted to the tubular blue-purple flowers.
How much sun and water does this plant need?: It does best in part sun with medium soil moisture, though established plants can handle somewhat drier spots.
What kind of habitat suits Gentiana affinis?: It grows well in mountain meadows, open prairies, and grassy slopes in cooler, higher elevation climates.
Is Pleated Gentian HOA-friendly?: Pleated Gentian takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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.

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.

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