How much sun does White Cockle need?

White Cockle grows best in full sun conditions.

When does White Cockle bloom?

White Cockle blooms in June, July, and August.

What pollinators does White Cockle attract?

White Cockle draws bees and beetles.

Is White Cockle HOA-friendly?

White Cockle takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

White Cockle

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Silene latifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

White Cockle (Silene latifolia) 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

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to White Cockle

White Cockle 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

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White cockle is a medium-height biennial forb with white flowers that bloom throughout summer. It grows in clumps reaching up to 3 feet tall and prefers full sun with moderate water needs.

In an HOA neighborhood

White 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.

Often considered a weedy species
Informal cottage garden appearance
Can self-seed aggressively

Wildlife value

This plant attracts bees and beetles during its summer blooming period. The flowers provide nectar and pollen for various native pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does White Cockle need?: White Cockle grows best in full sun conditions.
When does White Cockle bloom?: White Cockle blooms in June, July, and August.
What pollinators does White Cockle attract?: White Cockle draws bees and beetles.
Is White Cockle HOA-friendly?: White Cockle 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.

See all plant problem guides

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