Latin name: Allium cernuum
by Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association
Allium cernuum, commonly known as nodding onion or nodding wild onion, is a BC native herbaceous perennial species that grows from a bulb. It can be found naturalized in a wide range of conditions, including open forest, grassy slopes, meadows, prairies and rocky crevices. “Cernuum” is latin for “nodding”, and this plant is easily identified by its bent umbel of nodding bell-shaped flowers, ranging from pink and white to lilac. Allium cernuum grows to approximately 18 inches tall and has long, narrow, grass-like leaves around the flowering stalk. It has a characteristic oniony smell when crushed and is edible with medicinal uses similar to garlic.
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Attribute |
Description |
|---|---|
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Form: |
Herbaceous perennial growing from a bulb. |
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Foliage: |
Grass-like foliage. |
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Height/Width: |
12 – 18 inches tall (30 – 45cm). |
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Hardiness Zone: |
4-8 |
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Exposure: |
Sun to partial shade. |
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Flower shape and colour: |
Sun to partial shade. |
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Leaf colour: |
Green. |
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Flower time: |
Late spring to mid-summer. |
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Preferred soil and watering: |
Dry (drought tolerant) to occasionally moist, well-draining soil. |
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Pests and diseases |
Slugs and snails may damage young foliage. Generally trouble-free. |
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Other: |
North America (including BC) native species. Edible with medicinal uses similar to garlic. Eaten sparingly by northwest coast Indigenous Peoples (strong tasting). No notable pests or diseases. |
