Nodding wild onion | The Morton Arboretum

Family (English) Amaryllis
Family (botanic) Amaryllidaceae
Tree or plant type Perennial
Native locale Chicago area, Illinois
Size range Medium plant (12-24 inches), Large plant (more than 24 inches)
Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought, Road salt
Season of interest early summer, midsummer, late summer
Flower color and fragrance Pink, White
Shape or form Mounded, Upright
Growth rate Fast

Size and form:

Nodding wild onion grows in 12 to 18 inch high clumps of basal leaves where several stalks appear to support clusters of nodding flowers.

Native geographic location and habitat:

It is native to rocky soils and slopes from Canada to Mexico, including northeastern Illinois. C-Value: 7

Attracts birds, pollinators, or wildlife:

It attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.

Leaf description:

This native has flat, narrow, grass-like linear leaves up to 12 inches long with a solid center that smells like onion. Each flower scape turns sharply to create a nodding umbel.

Flower description:

There are tiny, 1/4 inch, bell-shaped, pinkish-white to lilac flowers in loose, nodding clusters (umbels) from June through August.

Fruit description:

Flowers give way to seed capsules that contain many small black seeds. This plant reseeds easily. Cut off faded flower stalks to remove unwanted seeds.