How much sun does Cut-leaf Crane's-bill need?

Cut-leaf Crane's-bill grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Cut-leaf Crane's-bill bloom?

Cut-leaf Crane's-bill blooms in May, June, July, and August.

What pollinators does Cut-leaf Crane's-bill attract?

Cut-leaf Crane's-bill draws bees and beetles.

Is Cut-leaf Crane's-bill HOA-friendly?

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

Cut-leaf Crane's-bill

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Geranium dissectum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Cut-leaf Crane's-bill (Geranium dissectum) 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

8"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Cut-leaf Crane's-bill

Cut-leaf Crane's-bill 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.

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Cut-leaf crane's-bill is a small annual wildflower with delicately divided, lacy foliage and tiny pink or purple flowers. This low-growing plant spreads naturally to form a soft groundcover in partially shaded areas throughout the growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cut-leaf Crane's-bill 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.

Annual habit creates gaps and bare spots
Small flowers and informal growth appear weedy
Self-seeds unpredictably creating uneven coverage

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and beetles during its long blooming period from May through August.

Common questions

How much sun does Cut-leaf Crane's-bill need?: Cut-leaf Crane's-bill grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Cut-leaf Crane's-bill bloom?: Cut-leaf Crane's-bill blooms in May, June, July, and August.
What pollinators does Cut-leaf Crane's-bill attract?: Cut-leaf Crane's-bill draws bees and beetles.
Is Cut-leaf Crane's-bill HOA-friendly?: Cut-leaf Crane's-bill 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.

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Ready to grow Cut-leaf Crane's-bill? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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