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.
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.
- Where is Cockle native?
- Cockle (Agrostemma githago) is native to NC, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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.
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.
Ready to grow Cockle? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz