How much sun does Cockle need?

Cockle grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Cockle bloom?

Cockle blooms in June and July.

Is Cockle toxic to cats?

Yes. Cockle is listed as toxic to cats by the Cornell University Poisonous Plants Database (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Cockle HOA-friendly?

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

Cockle

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Agrostemma githago

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Cockle (Agrostemma githago) 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 shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Cockle

Cockle is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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.

Find rebates in your area

Cockle is an annual flower that grows 1-3 feet tall with narrow leaves and bright pink to purple blooms in summer. This old-world plant produces showy flowers on slender stems but can self-seed readily in garden beds.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cockle 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.

Can appear weedy or wild
Self-seeds unpredictably
Not recognized as traditional landscape plant

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources for pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Cockle need?: Cockle grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Cockle bloom?: Cockle blooms in June and July.
Is Cockle toxic to cats?: Yes. Cockle is listed as toxic to cats by the Cornell University Poisonous Plants Database (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does Cockle attract?: Cockle draws bees and beetles.
Is Cockle HOA-friendly?: Cockle takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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 Cockle? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz