Allium cernuum

Allium cernuum, also known as the nodding onion or lady's leek, is a perennial plant in the Amaryllidaceae family. It is native to North America, where it is widespread across the United States and Canada.

Description

Allium cernuum is a bulbous herbaceous perennial plant. It typically grows to a height of 30–45 cm (12–18 in). The leaves are linear, with a green color. The flowers are bell-shaped, pink to lilac in color, and appear in nodding umbels.

Distribution and habitat

The nodding onion is native to North America. Its range extends from New York to British Columbia and south to Virginia and Kentucky in the east, and as far as New Mexico in the west. It is typically found in dry, open woods, rock outcroppings, and prairies.

Cultivation

Allium cernuum is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for use in gardens and as a potted plant. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can be used in xeriscaping.

Uses

The bulbs and leaves of the nodding onion were used by Native Americans as a food source and in traditional medicine. The plant is also used in contemporary herbal medicine.

See also

• List of Allium species
• Amaryllidaceae

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