Long-stalk Crane's-bill
Geranium columbinum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Long-stalk Crane's-bill (Geranium columbinum) 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
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Long-stalk Crane's-bill
Long-stalk 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.
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 areaLong-stalk crane's-bill is a delicate annual wildflower with small pink to purple flowers and deeply divided, feathery leaves. It blooms from late spring through summer and has a low, spreading habit that works well as a groundcover or filler plant.
In an HOA neighborhood
Long-stalk 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.
- Appears weedy and unkempt to most observers
- Dies back completely as an annual leaving bare spots
- Small flowers and fine texture look wild rather than cultivated
Wildlife value
This native geranium attracts bees and beetles with its small but numerous flowers throughout the growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Long-stalk Crane's-bill need?
- Long-stalk Crane's-bill grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Long-stalk Crane's-bill bloom?
- Long-stalk Crane's-bill blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- What pollinators does Long-stalk Crane's-bill attract?
- Long-stalk Crane's-bill draws bees and beetles.
- Is Long-stalk Crane's-bill HOA-friendly?
- Long-stalk 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Long-stalk Crane's-bill? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz