Allium Cernuum Nodding Onion

Allium cernuum produces umbels of star-like flowers on leafless, upright stems. The loose clusters bend down, hence the common name of “Nodding Onion”. Color is typically pink to lilac blue, occasionally white. Blooms in summer. The narrow, strap-like foliage smells of onion if bruised or cut, rendering it unattractive to deer and rabbits. May self-sow; remove old blooms if seedlings are undesired. This perennial will naturalize by bulb increase and via seed.

Allium cernuum is native to much of North America. It naturally occurs in prairies, on rocky outcrops and sunny edges of dry woodlands. Blooms are pollinated by short-tongued bees. It is a host for Hairstreak butterflies.

Allium cernuum is a bulbous perennial and prefers sun and moist to average, well-drained soil. It will tolerate light shade. It is drought tolerant once established.