Liliaceae : Allium cernuum
Family Name
Liliaceae
Common Name
wild onion, nodding wild onion, lady's leek
Description
Allium cernuum is a perennial herb, which grows from a membranous bulb with stems 30 cm to 45 cm in height, that are usually bent just below the cluster of flowers. Each mature bulb typically bears a single flowering stem with up to 30 flowers. The leaves are keeled grass-like, flat or channeled and 2-4 mm wide. Flowers emerge from a membranous spathe in July and August, with the umbel nodding or laterally projected. The tepals are 3-5 mm long and white to pink in color. The 6 stamens are exerted from the tepals, and the ovary is prominently 6-crested. The fruit is a 3 valved capsule. This species is commonly found throughout much of Northern America in mountainous and cool regions, on ledges, gravels, rocky or wooded slopes and crests. Because of its wide distribution, it is variable in plant size, flower color and bloom time.
Horticulture Notes
Seed Collection: Capsules can be harvested in late summer and early fall.
Germination: Scarify or fall sow for spring germination
Vegetative Propagation: Bulbs can br separated and treated like commercial onion sets.
Soils: This species will grow well in most garden soils,
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: medium to dry conditions
Notes: Tolerant of deer, dry soils, and growing beneath Black Walnut.
Additional Notes
Allium cernuumis edible and has a strong onion flavor but can be somewhat fibrous. The flowers attract butterflies.