Striped Gentian
Gentiana villosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AL, DE, FL, GA and 13 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Striped gentian is a native perennial that produces clusters of purple-striped white flowers from late summer through fall. This compact wildflower grows in neat clumps and provides late-season color when many other plants are finishing their blooming period.
In an HOA neighborhood
Striped 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.
- Appears too wild or weedy for most HOA standards
- May not be recognized as an intentional garden plant
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
The late-season blooms are valuable for bees and butterflies when few other nectar sources remain available. This plant helps extend the pollinator feeding season into autumn.
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.
Does Striped Gentian fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.