Unlike other gentions, Downy Gention can be find the dry soils of prairie remnants, as well as in more mesic soils. Its foliage tastes quite bitter and thus is left alone by wildlife. In fall, it produces rich blue flowers that will open up on sunny days to welcome a variety of bees. It is commonly found Calamnitha arkasana, Carex pellita, and Dodecatheon meadia.