Sticky Geranium
Geranium viscosissimum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Geranium viscosissimum (Sticky Geranium) is a native wildflower blooming pink flowers from May through July across western North America from California to Wyoming.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Sticky Geranium as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, CO, ID, MT and 7 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sticky geranium is a native wildflower with pink to purple five-petaled blooms and deeply divided green leaves. It forms compact mounds that bloom from May through July, then goes dormant in late summer. This hardy perennial thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.
Growing Sticky Geranium
Grow Sticky Geranium in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sticky Geranium 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.
- Goes completely dormant by late summer, leaving bare spots
- Can appear weedy or unkempt when not flowering
- May spread unpredictably in favorable conditions
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during its spring and early summer bloom period. Its seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- When does Sticky Geranium bloom?
- Geranium viscosissimum blooms from May through July, producing pink to purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
- Where is Sticky Geranium native?
- Sticky Geranium is native to 11 western states including California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
- What pollinators visit Sticky Geranium?
- Sticky Geranium attracts various bees and butterflies with its pink flowers and accessible nectar during its summer blooming period.
- Is Sticky Geranium toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sticky Geranium as toxic to livestock.
- Is Sticky Geranium HOA-friendly?
- Sticky Geranium 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 Sticky Geranium? 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