Skip to main content

White Cockle

Silene latifolia

Last reviewed: June 2026

White Cockle (Silene latifolia)
Photo: Robert Flogaus-Faust / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

ND

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

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.

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.

Does White Cockle fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.