Allium cernuum Nodding Onion

Ohio Native Plant Natural Range

To view the natural range of Allium cernuum visit the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website.
Nooding Onion look like droopy little fairy bells
Nodding Onion - Natural beauty

Cultivation Information Nodding Onion


Height - 18 inFlower Color - pale pinkBlooms - July- AugustSun - Full sun/light shadeHardy Zone - 3 to 9Soil - Well drainedpH - 5.0 -6.0Family - Liliaceae Family (lily) Planting depth - 1/2 to 1 inch deep - works well in rock gardens Blooms second year - Divide bulbs -in early spring when plants become crowded Over the Years - Nodding Onions are a no fuss native plant, we haven't noticed them taking over like wild onions seem to do. You might miss this unassuming little allium if planted solo, so give them a "choir" and watch them it sing! All in a Name - Ever wonder why we name our nursery Nodding Onion Gardens? The answer is simple, it was my friend and Cleveland Metroparks retired naturalist Dave Dvorak's favorite native wildflower.

Our business was named after this plant

Wildlife Significance Nodding Onion

Pollination - By Short-tongued Bees, flies feast on pollen but are not adding to pollination of the Nodding Onion.Nectar Source - Bees and butterflies
Deer - This plant is not desirable to deer
For more details visit the Illinois Wildflower website.
Propagation Notes Allium cernuum
Stratifying Seeds
Seeds placed in Cold Moist Storage Supplies Needed For Seed Stratification - 1. Zip lock plastic bag2. Few table spoons of Vermiculite3. Dampened vermiculite - not soggy4. Store in refrigerator for 60 days before planting
Allium cernuum seeds are ready to collect once they turn black and begin falling from the drying flower head
Seed Provenance Allium cernuum
Nodding Onion - Prairie Moon Nursery Winona, MN - 2010 - Nodding Onion Gardens 2011- present