Description
Nodding Onion (Allium cernuum), also known as lady’s leek, is a charming native wildflower known for its graceful, nodding flower clusters. Slender stems arch slightly at the top, allowing the soft purple flower heads to hang downward like small lanterns.
As the blooms open in mid to late summer, bees and butterflies quickly gather around the nectar-rich flowers. The delicate clusters add movement and texture to native plantings while bringing soft color to the garden.
When crushed, the leaves release a mild onion scent—a trait shared by members of the Allium family. Nodding Onion grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils, including rocky or sandy sites. It works well in prairie gardens, pollinator plantings, and naturalized landscapes where its unique flower form adds character.
