woodland wildflower
Greater fringed gentian
Gentianopsis crinita
Also known as Fringed Gentian
1 of 2Native to much of the USA and southern Canada
Southern Maine to Maryland and mountains of Georgia, west to Manitoba and Iowa
- Light Partial shade Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moist Moisture preference
- Zones 3–8 Cold to heat range
- Bloom Aug–Oct Flowering time
- Height up to 30 in to 76 cm
- Life cycle Annual or biennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A woodland wildflower for partial shade and evenly moist soil. Its blue flowers peak in September. At up to 30 in, it suits shade gardens and woodland edges. Hardy in USDA zones 3–8.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
Hardiness zones
Find your zone:
When it blooms
The Greater fringed gentian's blue flowers bloom August to October, peaking in September. This early-fall display draws bees.
Greater fringed gentian blooms blueFoliage
Pollinators & wildlife
- Bees Common Eastern Bumble Bee also Tricolored Bumble Bee
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WoodlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- Much of the USA and southern CanadaUnited States (23): CT, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV. Canada (1): ON. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Southern Maine to Maryland and mountains of Georgia, west to Manitoba and IowaThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Partial shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Moisture
- MoistThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8 · Canadian 2–7The cold-to-heat climate range it survives.
- Soil
- Moist, limey soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 30 in (to 76 cm)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- Annual or biennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Aug–OctWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- BlueThe bloom color, or colors.
- Fruit/Seeds
- ripens Sep–OctThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.