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Allium cernuum is a wild onion species native to the Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont of our region. It is a very short perennial, reaching only 1 foot in height, and individual bulbs can be clustered together, only needing 4-6” of space. This species also spreads prolifically by seed, so it can fill in gaps in only a few years. True to its name “Nodding Onion” flowers face downward, but have very showy color in a range from pale pink to vibrant pink-purples. They are very easy to transplant if they crowd spaces, and can tolerate a range of soil types. They will do fine in heat and drought, growing best in average soils with at least partial sun.
Nodding Onion is a versatile pollinator plant - it can fill in gaps or grow along borders or rocky areas, offering floral resources beneath taller growing wildflowers. Allium cernuum is popular with a range of bee species, particularly bumblebees, and can also provide pollen and nectar for other insect pollinators. The strong onion flavor of the leaves and bulbs tends to deter mammalian herbivores like deer or rabbits, so can be a good deer resistant option, while some moth species will browse the leaves.
Pollinators: bumblebees, cellophane bees, leafcutter bees, mason bees, small resin bees, sweat bees, butterflies, syrphid flies, beetles
Host Plant for Butterflies/Moths: 12+ species of moths in our region
Wildlife Value: Songbirds, wood warblers
Deer Resistance: Very Good
Native Region: Appalachian Mountains, Piedmont
Seed Origin: USA nursery collected seed
Light Recommendation: Full Sun, Part Sun, Dappled Shade
Soil Moisture Recommendation: Moist, Medium-Dry
USDA Zones: 4-8
States found in our region: AL, GA, KY, MD, NC, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV
Other states found: AR, AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY
