Allium cernuum - Nodding onion

Morphology/Growth Habits: Perennial, cool-season bulb in the onion family. In the summer abundant clusters of small, lavender-hued flowers that hang upside down bloom! Each umbel/cluster can have over 40 flowers. Long, grass-like foliage typical of onion plants. Spread by bulblets and seeds. These plants are slow to establish/mature, but once they do they are incredibly tough and, as long as they get sun, can grow in a variety of soil conditions.

Common name comes from the unique orientation of its flower umbels, which dangle downwards and ‘nod’ in the wind! 

Height: 1.5 ft

Light: Full Sun-Part Sun

Moisture: Medium

Bloom color: Light purple/Pink

Bloom time: July-August

Habitat/Best Environments: A. cernuum grows in open woodlands, slopes, and rock outcrops. It prefers rich, well-drained soil. Tolerates drought and most soil conditions once established. Moister soil may allow for more spreading over time compared to drier soils. Plant en masse for beautiful displays of nodding flowers in the summer!

Ecological relationships: Bees are especially attracted to this flower, as they are one of few insects that can collect nectar while hanging upside down to reach the small flowers! Larval host for Hairstreak Butterfly. 

*The bulbs and leaves of this plant have been used in cooking and medicine across centuries and cultures! While humans have enjoyed it for centuries for its onion flavor, deer and rabbits do not like it—all parts of this plant are resistant to deer & rabbits. 

Nodding onion is classified as Imperiled by New York State.

*Please soil test and do proper research before growing a plant for human consumption.