Small-flower Crane's-bill
Geranium pusillum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Small-flower Crane's-bill (Geranium pusillum) 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
4"–12" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Small-flower Crane's-bill
Small-flower 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 areaSmall-flower crane's-bill is a low-growing annual wildflower with delicate pink or white flowers and deeply divided leaves. It forms compact mounds that bloom continuously from late spring through fall, making it useful as a ground cover or filler plant in shaded areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Small-flower 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.
- Very small flowers can appear weedy
- Annual habit creates gaps when plants die
- Low growth habit may look unkempt in formal settings
Wildlife value
This plant attracts small native bees and beetles with its modest but numerous flowers throughout the growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Small-flower Crane's-bill need?
- Small-flower Crane's-bill grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Small-flower Crane's-bill bloom?
- Small-flower Crane's-bill blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
- What pollinators does Small-flower Crane's-bill attract?
- Small-flower Crane's-bill draws bees and beetles.
- Is Small-flower Crane's-bill HOA-friendly?
- Small-flower 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 Small-flower 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