nodding onion

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

0.5-2 ft. tall
0.5-1 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Seeds require scarification to germinate. Bulbs can be divided.

Plants/Diseases

No significant pest or disease issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Linear leaves arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant.

Flowers

pink, lavender, or white bell-shaped flowers with 6 rays arranged in an umbel.

Fruit

capsule containing shiny black seeds.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Edibility

Historical use of bulbs for onions, but have largely stopped being used.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Open woodlands or around outcrops of shale, mafic, ultramafic, or calcareous rocks

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Absent in the coastal plain, rare in the piedmont and mountains.