// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Plain gentian

Gentiana alba

Plain gentian (Gentiana alba) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–9a. Mature size 6"–3'. Blooms Aug–Oct.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 17 U.S. states, including AR, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–9a
Mature size: 6"–3'
Sun: Part shade
Water: —
Bloom: Aug–Oct
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Plain gentian (Gentiana alba) — *Gentiana alba* — Plain gentian. Photo by Eric Hunt via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Plain gentian (Gentiana alba) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–9a. Mature size 6"–3'. Blooms Aug–Oct.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, plain gentian pairs naturally with: Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia).