How much sun does Bicknell's Cranesbill need?

Bicknell's Cranesbill grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Bicknell's Cranesbill bloom?

Bicknell's Cranesbill blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Bicknell's Cranesbill native?

Bicknell's Cranesbill (Geranium bicknellii) is native to CA, CO, CT, FL and 25 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Bicknell's Cranesbill attract?

Bicknell's Cranesbill draws bees and flies.

Is Bicknell's Cranesbill HOA-friendly?

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

Bicknell's Cranesbill

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Geranium bicknellii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Bicknell's Cranesbill (Geranium bicknellii) 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

low

Size

4"–20" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, CT, FL and 25 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

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

Great Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains

Bicknell's cranesbill is a small annual wildflower with delicate pink to purple blooms and deeply divided leaves. This low-growing native produces flowers throughout the summer months and naturally reseeds for the following year.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bicknell's Cranesbill 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.

Small size makes it appear weedy in formal settings
Annual growth habit creates gaps and inconsistent coverage
Self-seeding nature may look uncontrolled

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and beneficial flies during the summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for small birds and ground-dwelling wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Bicknell's Cranesbill need?: Bicknell's Cranesbill grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Bicknell's Cranesbill bloom?: Bicknell's Cranesbill blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Bicknell's Cranesbill native?: Bicknell's Cranesbill (Geranium bicknellii) is native to CA, CO, CT, FL and 25 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Bicknell's Cranesbill attract?: Bicknell's Cranesbill draws bees and flies.
Is Bicknell's Cranesbill HOA-friendly?: Bicknell's Cranesbill takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Bicknell's Cranesbill? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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