Cockle
Agrostemma githago
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
NC
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Cockle fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.