Allium cernuum, Nodding Onion, Quart pot

Allium cernuum, Nodding Onion, Quart Pot

FS, Zone 3, blooms July to August, deer resistant, dry to medium, 1-1.5’ x .1’

The common name for this plant comes from the flower ball facing downward. This position is thought to protect the nectar supply that short tongue native bees and beetles seek. When visiting the flowers for nectar, larger bees end up collecting only the pollen.

This plant does best in full sun and well drained soil. It gradually spreads by seed and bulb offshoots. Native Americans used the bulbs to treat croup, colic and colds.

2020 was our first year growing this Allium. We grew it in a FS site and in our Rose Garden which is PS. There didn’t seem to be a huge difference in how they grew. Looking forward to see this years display!

Attracts Short tongue bees, Cellophane bees, bumble bees and other native bees, Syrphid Flies, Soldier beetles, and other beetles and butterflies. Host plant for the Hairstreak butterfly.